Dental Implants with Gum Disease:
Yes, It's Possible
Gum disease doesn't mean you can't have implants. It means the disease needs treating first. Once your gums are healthy, implant success rates are excellent.
93-97%
success rate after periodontal treatment
3-6 mo
typical treatment-to-implant timeline
From £28
per month with finance
The honest answer about gum disease and implants
If you've been told you have gum disease and you're wondering whether dental implants are still an option, the answer is yes, with the right preparation.
Active gum disease and implants don't mix. Placing an implant into infected tissue would be setting it up to fail. But once the disease is treated and your gums are stable, implants work just as well as they do for anyone else.
The process takes a bit longer because we treat the gum disease first, let everything heal, and then place the implants into healthy tissue. It's a sequential approach, not a compromise. If you also smoke, that's another factor we address as part of the plan.
The Path from Gum Disease to Implants
Treatment happens in phases. Here's what to expect.
Assessment and diagnosis
We assess the severity of your gum disease with a full examination, X-rays, and probing measurements. This tells us exactly what level of treatment is needed before implants can be considered.
Periodontal treatment
For mild to moderate cases, deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) removes bacteria below the gum line. More advanced cases may need gum surgery to access deeper pockets. The goal is to eliminate active infection completely.
Healing and stabilisation
Your gums need time to heal and demonstrate stability. We monitor your progress with follow-up appointments. Good oral hygiene during this phase is critical for long-term success.
Implant planning
A 3D CBCT scan assesses your bone levels. If gum disease caused bone loss, we plan accordingly. All-on-4 techniques often work without separate grafting.
Implant placement
Implants are placed into healthy, disease-free tissue. The procedure is the same as for any other patient. With Vivo Bridge, permanent teeth can be fitted within 48 hours.
Ongoing maintenance
Regular hygiene appointments (typically every 3-4 months rather than 6) help prevent peri-implantitis. Good maintenance is especially important for patients with a history of gum disease.
Total estimated treatment time: 6-12 months from first visit to final teeth, depending on disease severity
93-97% implant success rate in patients with treated periodontal disease
A systematic review in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that implants placed after successful gum disease treatment have high success rates. The critical factor is eliminating active disease before implant placement, not whether you ever had gum disease.
Source: Journal of Clinical Periodontology
Concerns Specific to Gum Disease Patients
"I lost teeth because of gum disease. Won't the same thing happen to implants?"
This is a reasonable worry. If gum disease destroyed natural teeth, it's logical to wonder whether implants would face the same fate.
Implants can develop peri-implantitis, but it's preventable. The key differences: we treat the underlying disease before placing implants, we provide a tailored maintenance schedule (typically 3-4 monthly hygiene visits), and implants don't have the same vulnerabilities as natural teeth. With proper care, they last decades.
"I've been told I have significant bone loss"
Advanced gum disease erodes the bone that supports teeth. Some patients have been told by other dentists that they don't have enough bone for implants.
Bone loss is manageable. Techniques like All-on-4 use angled implants to work with available bone. Bone grafting can rebuild lost bone where needed. Even patients told 'no' elsewhere often qualify with us. A 3D scan gives us the definitive answer.
"How do I stop gum disease from affecting my implants?"
Patients with a history of gum disease are at higher risk of peri-implantitis if maintenance is neglected.
A structured maintenance programme is the answer. We schedule hygiene appointments every 3-4 months (rather than the standard 6). We teach you targeted cleaning techniques for around your implants. Patients who follow the programme have excellent long-term outcomes. If you also have diabetes, maintenance is especially important as both conditions affect gum health.
"The gum treatment itself sounds painful"
Deep cleaning and gum surgery sound intimidating. Many patients have avoided treating their gum disease because they're worried about the discomfort.
Modern periodontal treatment is far more comfortable than you'd expect. Deep cleaning is done under local anaesthesia. Sedation is available for patients who feel anxious. Most patients say the anticipation was worse than the reality.
UK's Top Rated Dentists
Dr Sunil Mangla
BDS (Liverpool), PG Cert Sed and Pain Management (Lon)
Dr. Yasser El-Ali
DDS (GBG Sweden) 2001, GDC Nr: 79231
Dr. Nasim Mechoui
BDS (Bristol), MSc Implant Dentistry (Rome)
Dr Saul Pineiro Amado
Lic Odont Santiago de Compostela 2014 Dentist, MSC Imp. Dent (Barcelona)
Dr Sunil Mangla
BDS (Liverpool), PG Cert Sed and Pain Management (Lon)
Dr. Yasser El-Ali
DDS (GBG Sweden) 2001, GDC Nr: 79231
Dr. Nasim Mechoui
BDS (Bristol), MSc Implant Dentistry (Rome)
Dr Saul Pineiro Amado
Lic Odont Santiago de Compostela 2014 Dentist, MSC Imp. Dent (Barcelona)
Dr Sunil Mangla
BDS (Liverpool), PG Cert Sed and Pain Management (Lon)
Dr. Yasser El-Ali
DDS (GBG Sweden) 2001, GDC Nr: 79231
Dr. Nasim Mechoui
BDS (Bristol), MSc Implant Dentistry (Rome)
Dr Saul Pineiro Amado
Lic Odont Santiago de Compostela 2014 Dentist, MSC Imp. Dent (Barcelona)
From Gum Disease to a New Smile
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Gum Disease and Implants: Your Questions Answered
Can you get dental implants if you have gum disease?
Yes, but not while gum disease is active. The infection must be treated and stabilised first. Once your gums are healthy, implant success rates are comparable to patients who never had gum disease. The key is proper treatment sequencing.
How long after gum disease treatment can I get implants?
Typically 3-6 months after periodontal treatment, depending on the severity. Mild cases may only need a deep clean and a few weeks of healing. More advanced cases may require gum surgery followed by a longer stabilisation period. We monitor your progress and place implants only when conditions are right.
Will gum disease come back after I get implants?
Implants can develop peri-implantitis, which is similar to gum disease around natural teeth. However, with proper oral hygiene and regular maintenance visits, this risk is very manageable. We provide a personalised maintenance plan to protect your investment.
What if I've already lost teeth from gum disease?
Tooth loss from gum disease is one of the most common reasons patients come to us. The bone loss that accompanies gum disease can be addressed with techniques like All-on-4, which uses angled implants to maximise available bone.
Is the implant procedure different for gum disease patients?
The implant placement itself is the same. The difference is in the preparation: we ensure your gums are completely healthy before proceeding. Some patients also need bone grafting if gum disease has caused significant bone loss. Your treatment plan is tailored to your specific situation.
How much do implants cost for gum disease patients?
Implant costs are the same regardless of gum disease history. Single implants from £1,695, full arch from £6,995. You may have additional costs for periodontal treatment beforehand (deep cleaning, gum surgery). We provide a full cost breakdown at your consultation. 0% finance from £28/month. See our funding options.
What Our Patients Say
Real stories from real patients who transformed their smiles with Dental By Design
I have nothing but admiration for Dr. Yasser—he is truly an implant artisan. After years of neglect and struggling to eat comfortably, I realised I needed a full-mouth restoration involving dental implants. Following extensive research, I chose Dental by Design and arranged a consultation with him. From the moment I met Dr. Yasser, he put me completely at ease, taking the time to explain every stage of the process clearly and thoroughly. He was totally non-judgmental and made me feel more like an old friend than a patient. A key part of achieving the best possible outcome is following the advice and instructions given while wearing the temporary implants and throughout the journey to the final fitting. The end result has been truly astonishing and has exceeded all my expectations. I cannot thank Dr. Yasser and his nurse, Mr. Ledio, enough. Both were absolutely amazing throughout the entire process, providing exceptional care, professionalism, and support from start to finish. I would highly recommend them to anyone considering dental implants or a full-mouth restoration.
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you so much, Yogesh. We are truly grateful for your kind words and for trusting Dental by Design with such an important treatment journey.
Dr Yasser and Ledio will be delighted to read your review. We are so pleased to hear that you felt supported, informed and cared for throughout the process, and that your final result exceeded your expectations.
We really appreciate you sharing it for other patients considering full-mouth dental implant treatment and thank you again for your recommendation and for choosing Dental by Design!
06/07/2026
I have been coming to Dental by Design for 2 years. This clinic is very different, they do care about the patients. I was terrified of dentists before, but I had fillings, a root canal and even an implant here. I have been coming now just for regular check up and hygiene appointments - Dr Yasser and Dr Luis are the best.
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Martin. We’re really pleased to hear that you have felt so well cared for during your time with us.
It means a lot to know that you felt supported enough to go from feeling terrified of the dentist to having fillings, root canal treatment, an implant and now regular check ups and hygiene appointments.
Dr Yasser, Luis and the whole Dental by Design team will be delighted to read your kind words. Thank you for your trust over the past two years. We look forward to seeing you again!
06/06/2026
Very professional, would recommend to anyone wanting or needing implants. I had my upper and lower full arch done. I was looked after very well and taken good care of. The price was also very reasonable.
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you so much for your kind review, Ivan. We’re really pleased to hear that you felt well looked after throughout your full arch implant treatment. Dr Yasser and the whole Dental by Design team is delighted that you had a positive experience and found the care, professionalism and pricing to be at the standard you expected. Thank you for your recommendation and for trusting us with your smile.
06/04/2026
I had an excellent experience at Dental by Design. The entire team was welcoming, professional, and made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked through the door. The staff took the time to explain everything clearly and ensured that all my questions were answered. The level of care and attention to detail was outstanding. The dentists were gentle, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my comfort throughout the appointment. The clinic was clean, modern, and well-organized, which made the experience even more pleasant. I am very happy with the treatment I received and the results. It’s clear that patient care is a top priority at Dental by Design. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for high-quality dental care and a friendly, professional team. My dentist was Dr. Rob and i was extremely impressed with the level of care and professionalism I received. From the moment I arrived, they made me feel welcome and at ease. Dr. Rob took the time to thoroughly explain my treatment options and ensured that I understood every step of the process. His calm, gentle manner helped ease any anxiety I had about the appointment. What stood out most was his attention to detail and genuine concern for my comfort and well-being. He was patient, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about providing the highest standard of dental care. The treatment was carried out with great skill, and I was very pleased with the results. I truly appreciate the excellent service and care I received from Dr. Rob . It is clear that he values his patients and strives to create a positive experience for everyone he treats. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Rob to family, friends, and anyone looking for a trustworthy, professional, and caring dentist.
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Zee. We’re delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team and that you felt welcomed, comfortable and well cared for throughout your visit.
Dr Rob and the whole Dental by Design team will be very pleased to read your kind words. We always aim to provide clear communication, gentle care and a high standard of treatment, so it means a lot to know this came across during your appointment.
Thank you again for your recommendation. We really appreciate your trust and look forward to seeing you again!
06/04/2026
Facilities and staff was second to none.great feel and stature about the place.my doctor made me feel at ease no judgement.the care and after care is class.those people have helped change my life
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you, Carl. We are glad you found our facilities and team second to none, and that your doctor made you feel at ease with no judgement. We appreciate your review.
06/04/2026
Just had my surgery done yesterday Everything went well has expected Dr. Yasser El-Ali know has Artisan was simply amazing. It was a dream come true the job you done. I also want to thank his nurse Adriana for all her patience and excellent care. I have no words to describe how happy I feel. I also want to thanks Livi for all the help explaining everything to make me have the surgery done with Dental by Design. A massive thank you for all the team at the clinic
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that everything went well with your surgery and that you felt supported throughout your journey with us. Dr Yasser El-Ali, Adriana, Livi and the whole Dental by Design team will be so happy to read your kind words. It means a lot to know that we could help make this dream come true for you. We wish you a smooth recovery and look forward to seeing your final results!
06/04/2026
I had a brilliant experience with Dr Yasser, having 16 teeth removed and all on 6 top and bottom, just had my final sets of implants fitted and I couldn’t be happier, it’s been an excellent very professional experience and I would most definitely recommend him to anyone thinking of implants.very patient especially if you’re a nervous person like me, he really did put me at ease. Dr yasser is a true Implant Artisan!
Response from Dental By Design
Hi Colleen, thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you had such a brilliant experience with Dr Yasser and that you are so happy with your final implants. Having treatment like this can feel like a big step, especially when you are nervous, so it is lovely to know that Dr Yasser helped you feel comfortable and at ease throughout. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we are so pleased to have been part of your journey
05/29/2026
I must apologise for not attending today’s appointment please keep the £25 deposit as I will not be continuing your offer.
Response from Dental By Design
Hi Steven, thank you for your message and for letting us know. We are sorry you were unable to attend your appointment and that you will not be continuing at this time.
We appreciate you considering Dental by Design, and we wish you all the best. If you ever have any questions in the future, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic.
05/28/2026
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