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Periodontal Disease Implants: Can Implants Help Gum Disease?

This article answers the question: “Periodontal Disease Implants: Can Implants Help Gum Disease?” You’ll learn what gum disease is, why it can lead to tooth loss, and how dental implants can restore teeth after gum disease is controlled. If you or a loved one has struggled with bleeding gums, loose teeth, or repeated infections, this guide explains practical next steps toward safe tooth replacement.
We cover when implants are an option, how bone loss affects treatment, what to expect during preparation, and the risks and long-term care needed to keep implants healthy after gum disease in Statesboro, GA.
Can Dental Implants Help Gum Disease In Statesboro, GA?
Short answer: implants do not cure active gum disease. Treating the infection and stabilizing your gums comes first. Once gum disease in Statesboro, GA is controlled and the mouth is healthy, dental implants can replace teeth lost to the disease and restore function and appearance.
Treating gum disease focuses on stopping infection and saving remaining teeth. Replacing teeth with implants is a separate step that restores chewing, speech, and smile form after periodontal therapy.
How Gum Disease In Statesboro, GA Damages Teeth And Bone
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease starts as gingivitis — plaque buildup that causes red, swollen, or bleeding gums. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the infection destroys the tissues and bone that hold teeth in place. Signs to watch for include bad breath, gums that pull away from teeth, loose teeth, and changes in bite or tooth position.
How Bone Loss From Gum Disease Affects Implant Options
Bone supports both natural teeth and implants. When periodontitis causes bone loss, placing implants becomes more challenging. Not enough bone may require bone grafting or alternative implant strategies. Your surgeon will evaluate bone volume before recommending the best implant option.
When Dental Implants Become An Option After Gum Disease
Typical timeline before implant placement:
- Control the infection with scaling, root planing, and maintenance.
- Allow gums to heal and inflammation to subside (this may take weeks to months).
- Evaluate bone with imaging to plan implant placement or grafting.
Factors that affect candidacy include smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and medication use. Common implant choices after gum disease include single implants for isolated missing teeth, implant-supported bridges, and All-on-4® full-arch dental implants for replacing many failing teeth.
Preparing For Dental Implants After Gum Disease
Gum Therapy And Infection Control First
Before implants, periodontal care aims to remove infection. Treatment can include thorough scaling and root planing, targeted antibiotics, and a program of periodontal maintenance visits. Success depends on good oral hygiene and regular follow-up.
Bone Grafting And 3D Imaging
If bone is deficient, bone grafting rebuilds the site to support implants. Modern 3D imaging helps your surgeon plan precise implant placement and determine if grafting is needed. This planning leads to safer surgery and more predictable results.
Risks And Long-Term Success Of Implants After Gum Disease In Statesboro, GA
Implants generally have high success rates, but prior history of gum disease raises the risk of peri-implantitis — an infection around an implant. Treating gum disease first and maintaining strict oral hygiene greatly improves long-term outcomes.
Practical tips to protect implants after gum disease:
- Brush twice and clean between teeth daily.
- Keep regular periodontal checkups and professional cleanings.
- Avoid smoking and manage medical conditions like diabetes.
- Report any bleeding, swelling, or looseness around implants promptly.
What Implant Solutions Are Available For Patients With Severe Gum Disease?
For patients with many failing teeth from advanced gum disease, All-on-4® full-arch implants can provide same-day extractions, implants, and temporary teeth. This approach uses fewer implants to support a full arch and can speed recovery and function. Single implants or implant-supported bridges remain best when only a few teeth are missing or when site-specific treatment is possible.
Advanced anesthesia and office-based sedation options are available to keep patients comfortable during extractions, grafting, and implant surgery.
Looking For Implant Care After Gum Disease? Why Choose East Georgia Center For Oral & Facial Surgery
East Georgia Center for Oral & Facial Surgery serves patients across Statesboro and Swainsboro, GA. Our team of board-certified oral surgeons offers advanced training in implant surgery, bone grafting, and office-based anesthesia. We use All-on-4®, 3D imaging, and modern grafting techniques to plan safe, precise care for patients recovering from gum disease.
FAQs On Gum Disease And Dental Implants
Can implants fail if I had gum disease? — Yes, implants can fail more often if prior gum disease is not well-controlled. Treating infection first and following strict maintenance lowers that risk.
How long after gum treatment can I get implants? — Healing times vary. Many patients wait several weeks to a few months after periodontal therapy; your surgeon will confirm timing based on healing and imaging.
Will dental implants look like my real teeth? — Properly planned implants and restorations are designed to match your natural teeth in shape and color and restore chewing and speech function.
If you’re dealing with gum disease in Statesboro, GA and want to learn whether dental implants are an option, schedule a consultation at our Statesboro office. Our team can evaluate your gum health, imaging, and overall medical considerations to create a clear, personalized plan for safe tooth replacement.




