Dental Implants with Gum Disease

I have gum disease. What are my options?

Patients with diagnosed gum disease can typically pursue implants once the infection is stabilised and the supporting bone is sufficient. London Dental Specialists's periodontics team manages this process by assessing whether the current tissue can support a Straumann implant or if the gums require treatment first. Dr Opeoluwa Sodeinde holds an MClinDent in Periodontics from King's College London (Guy's Hospital), a full-time clinical master's focused on the bone and gums that hold teeth. This specific training is vital because implants rely on the same tissues that gum disease attacks.

• Stabilise the gum disease through non-surgical or surgical therapy before placing implants to ensure a healthy foundation.
• Integrate periodontal care and implant placement into a single, coordinated treatment plan for patients with complex needs.
• Retain natural teeth through specialist periodontal treatment if the tooth is salvageable, as implants are not always the immediate answer.

The £195 consultation fee is credited toward any treatment you go ahead with.

Treating the gum disease first: what that looks like

Stabilising the infection involves a phased process of gum disease treatment (periodontics) to remove bacteria from deep pockets. Dr Opeoluwa Sodeinde uses these clinical protocols to create the tissue stability required for an implant to bond with the jaw. This phase ensures the supporting bone is not actively deteriorating before a Straumann implant is placed.

What happens if implants are placed over untreated gum disease

Placing an implant into infected tissue often leads to implant failure because the body cannot maintain a stable bond with the bone. Bacteria from untreated gum disease can migrate to the fixture, causing peri-implantitis, which is the leading cause of late implant loss. This inflammatory disease destroys the surrounding bone and soft tissue, potentially leading to the loss of the implant. Infection risk rises fast. Our consultant-level specialists use 3D CBCT imaging and computer-guided surgery to identify the risks and complications of dental implants before any procedure begins. We manage these risks through bone and soft-tissue grafting to ensure the implant is anchored in healthy, stable tissue. This precise preparation prevents the rapid bone loss associated with active infection.

Why a periodontist should place your implants

A periodontist-led approach ensures that the supporting bone and soft tissue are clinically stable before any Straumann fixture is placed. Dr Opeoluwa Sodeinde uses 3D CBCT imaging and computer-guided surgery to map the jaw with precision. This integration of periodontics and implantology reduces the risk of failure for those with a history of gum disease.

Managing these cases requires a clinician who understands the specific biology of the periodontium. Dr Sodeinde holds an MClinDent in Periodontics from King's College London (Guy's Hospital), a full-time clinical master's focused on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of the gums and bone. Because implants rely on the same tissue that gum disease destroys, this specific training allows for a more accurate assessment of long-term stability. It's a different level of expertise.

London Dental Specialists's implant service follows the clinical guidance of the British Society of Periodontology & Implant Dentistry. This membership ensures that our maintenance schedules for London dental implants align with current UK professional standards to prevent peri-implantitis. We combine this oversight with bone and soft-tissue grafting to rebuild the foundation needed for a successful result. This rigorous standard protects your investment.

Consultant-level care for complex implant cases

Our clinical lead, Dr Opeoluwa Sodeinde, holds an MClinDent in Periodontics from King's College London (Guy's Hospital). This multi-year, full-time clinical master's degree focuses entirely on the gums and bone that hold teeth. It matters. Because an implant depends on this same tissue, having one clinician manage both the periodontal health and the surgical placement reduces risk. London Dental Specialists's implant service uses 3D CBCT imaging and computer-guided surgery to ensure precise placement. We also provide bone and soft-tissue grafting for patients who have lost foundation due to infection.