Dental implants can also be affected by gum disease (peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis), similar to how natural teeth can develop gingivitis (reversible inflammation of the gums) or periodontitis (inflammation of the gums and loss of supporting bone).
Should you have been successfully treated for periodontitis AND successfully maintained for a period of time (to demonstrate stability), then you can consider dental implants.
Past periodontitis results in reduced bone volume in the edentulous site (where a tooth has been lost) and this may be even more pronounced if a denture has been worn for a long time. Implants require sufficient bone for short and long term stability, so bone grafting may be required.
If the soft tissues around the implant are not thick and firmly attached, movement of the surrounding soft tissues can cause plaque entrapment around the implant. This is usually the first step on the road to developing a peri-implant infection. Soft tissue grafting is needed for the long term health of the implant.
After the implant has been placed and restored (with a crown), you MUST commit to lifelong professional periodontal maintenance of both teeth and implants. If you fail to do so, it can result in implant loss and costly revision surgery (if sufficient bone is available). Yearly x-rays of the implants and bone are essential tools for monitoring implant stability.
Smoking and diabetes increase the risk for more severe gum disease (around teeth AND implants). Quitting smoking and having good diabetic control are part of overall oral health maintenance.
