Short answer: Active gum disease (periodontitis) should be treated and under control before dental implants are placed. The same bacteria and inflammation that destroyed the bone around your natural teeth can also attack the bone around an implant, a condition called peri-implantitis.
By Dr. Jacobo Bendayan, periodontist and implant specialist in Bogotá, Colombia.
Why does gum disease matter for implants?
Many people lose teeth because of periodontitis, a chronic infection that slowly destroys the gums and the bone that hold teeth in place. Replacing those teeth with implants without treating the infection is like building a new house on the same damaged foundation.
Research consistently shows that people with a history of periodontitis have a higher risk of problems around their implants, especially if the disease is not controlled. That's why, as a periodontist, I always evaluate and treat the gums first.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Common signs include:
Bleeding when you brush or floss
Red, swollen or tender gums
Bad breath that doesn't go away
Teeth that feel loose or have started to shift
Receding gums that make teeth look “longer”
Some people have no symptoms at all, which is why a professional evaluation with gum measurements and X-rays is essential.
What does periodontal treatment involve?
Treatment depends on how advanced the disease is. It usually starts with a deep cleaning below the gumline to remove bacterial deposits, along with personalized hygiene instructions. More advanced cases may need surgical treatment or regeneration of lost bone and gum tissue.
After treatment, the gums need time to heal and stabilize before implant surgery. Your treatment plan will tell you how long that is in your case.
What does this mean for international patients?
If your video consultation or X-rays suggest gum disease, your plan may include periodontal treatment on your first trip, followed by implant placement once the gums are healthy. It may add time, but it protects your investment for the long term.
Each trip usually takes 7 to 10 days, including a follow-up appointment before you fly home.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get implants if I have gum disease?
Usually yes, but only after the disease has been treated and is under control.
Does gum disease come back after treatment?
It can. Good daily hygiene and regular professional check-ups, including with a dentist in your home country, are key to keeping it under control.
Why see a periodontist instead of a general dentist?
Periodontists are specialists in gums, bone and implants. Treating the foundation and placing the implant are part of the same specialty.
Book your video consultation: WhatsApp +57 314 487 7512
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