Gum Disease & Dental Implants: Why Healthy Gums Matter More Than You Think

Were you aware of the connection between gum disease, dental implants, and your long-term smile health? It’s more important than many people think.

If you’re considering implants or already have them, you might assume they’re a permanent fix, strong, secure, and worry-free. But there’s something you need to know:

Without healthy gums, even the best-placed implant can fail – even years down the line.

Let’s start with a brief look at how an implant works

An implant is a small screw-like post made from titanium or zirconia. When placed surgically into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth, it acts as an artificial tooth root to support a replacement tooth (dental crown).

Unlike a natural tooth, which is anchored into the jawbone with periodontal ligaments, a dental implant relies entirely on the surrounding bone and soft tissue for support.

How it works

Within a few weeks of surgery, your bone fuses with the implant in a process called osseointegration to become a permanent fixture in the mouth.

Once healing is complete, a custom-made crown is attached, restoring function and appearance – it’s just like getting your missing tooth back again.

Over the years, implants have become the gold standard for tooth replacement. In fact, research shows they have a 10-year success rate of 90% - 95%.

But here's where it gets tricky: that success depends not just on osseointegration, but also on the health of your gums – the soft tissue that surrounds and protects the implant.

The Missing Piece: Why Gum Health Is Just as Important as Bone Health

Osseointegration is vital, but according to a new study that looked into soft tissue management during second-stage implant procedures, gum health is equally, if not more important.

“ Soft tissue is the unsung hero of implant dentistry,” said Professor Quan Yuan and Dr Shiwen Zhang, lead authors of the consensus.

Besides keeping the implant stable, healthy gums act as a barrier, protecting it from harmful bacteria. But if you have gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), this protective barrier breaks down, leaving the implant vulnerable to infection.

Gum disease around an implant can lead to inflammation, gum recession, bone loss, and ultimately, implant failure if left untreated.

The following statistics reveal the prevalence of gum disease within the American population:

• Almost half of Americans over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease.
• And when it comes to implants, research using the PubMed database of the US National Library of Medicine found that 20% of implant patients develop peri-implantitis within 5–10 years.

That means even if your implant feels solid now, it’s not guaranteed to stay that way, unless your gums are kept healthy.

How Gum Disease Threatens Your Dental Implants

Gum disease is caused by an accumulation of bacteria in the spaces between your teeth and gums. When plaque and tartar aren’t properly removed, inflammation begins, leading to early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) and eventually progressing to periodontitis.

When these bacteria infect the area around a dental implant, the condition is called peri-implant mucositis (in its early stage) or peri-implantitis (in the advanced stage). Both can lead to:

• Swelling and bleeding around the implant
• Pus discharge or bad breath
• Gum recession
• Loss of bone support
• Complete failure of the implant if untreated

Are You at Risk?

Several risk factors can increase the chances of developing gum disease around dental implants, including:

• History of periodontal disease
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Diabetes or other systemic health conditions
• Poor oral hygiene habits
• Lack of regular dental care

A study in Clinical Oral Implants Research found that smokers are up to 3 times more likely to experience implant failure due to peri-implantitis.

If you can resonate with any of these risk factors, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting implants, but it does mean you need a tailored treatment plan and ongoing gum care to lower your risk.

The Role of Gum Health in Pre-Implant Planning

At Chesterfield Dentistry, we don’t just place implants; we set the stage for long-term success. That begins with a thorough evaluation of your:

• Gum tissue health
• Bone density and structure
• Medical and dental history
• Risk profile for gum disease or implant failure

If we spot signs of active gum disease, we’ll recommend appropriate treatment before implant placement. This may include:

• Scaling and root planing (a deep clean to remove tartar below the gumline)
• Periodontal maintenance appointments every 3–4 months
• Antibiotic or antimicrobial treatments
• Laser gum therapy in certain cases

Think of it as building a house: you can’t install the roof (your implant) until the foundation (your gums and bone) is solid.

How to Keep Your Gums—and Implants—Healthy After Surgery

Once your implant is placed, you can’t take your foot off the pedal. Maintaining healthy gums is essential to keeping your implant stable for years to come. Here's what we recommend:

• Brush your teeth (and around the implant) twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Floss or use interdental brushes once a day
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash if prescribed
• Quit smoking or tobacco use
• Attend regular dental checkups every 3–6 months, including implant-specific cleanings.

If you’re struggling with flossing in particular, we may suggest the use of a water flosser.

What Happens If Gum Disease Is Already Affecting My Implant?

If you suspect you have signs of gum disease around an implant (bleeding, swelling, tenderness, or bad taste), get in touch with your dentist right away. Catching gum disease early can prevent more serious damage. We can help get your oral health back on track with treatments such as:

• Deep cleaning around implants
• Targeted antibiotic therapy
• Gum grafting or soft tissue treatments
• Laser therapy or regenerative procedures in advanced cases

Catching peri-implantitis early often means the difference between saving or losing your implant.

The Bottom Line

Dental implants are one of the best solutions for restoring missing teeth, but they depend on healthy gums to succeed. Gum disease and dental implants are more connected than most people think. Whether you're just starting your implant journey or years into it, gum health should always be at the forefront of your dental care.

At Chesterfield Dentistry, we believe in proactive, personalized care that helps you protect your smile—for life.

Concerned about your gums? Thinking about implants?
Still not sure if dental implants are for you. This post may help you decide. Meanwhile, why not book a consultation today at 314-936-3621 and let’s create a healthy foundation for your smile.