We hear this question at Full Smile Dental more than you might think. A patient needs a missing tooth replaced, implants come up, and then gum disease enters the conversation. The concern is always the same. They worry it means implants are completely out of reach for them.
It does not have to mean that. Gum disease changes the order of treatment, not always the outcome. With the right preparation, many patients with a history of gum disease go on to get successful implants. Understanding what that process looks like helps you plan your next step with confidence.
What You Need to Know Before Getting a Dental Implant With Gum Disease
A dental implant sits directly in your jawbone. For it to bond and hold long-term, the surrounding tissue and bone must be healthy and free of active infection. Gum disease causes bacteria to slowly damage the bone over time. Placing an implant into an already infected environment puts your entire investment at risk.
The good news is that gum disease being present does not automatically close the door. It means the infection must be addressed before placement begins. Our team at Full Smile Dental builds treatment plans around exactly this kind of sequenced care. We treat the problem first so the implant has the right environment to succeed.
Getting Your Gums Healthy Before Implant Placement
At Full Smile Dental, we offer deep dental cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. This treatment removes bacteria and buildup from below the gumline, where a routine cleaning simply cannot reach. It directly targets the source of the infection and gives your gums the chance to stabilize and heal properly.
Once your gums respond to treatment and inflammation settles, we can reassess your jawbone and move forward with implant planning. Dr. Mallak Ahmad, our family dentist with a Doctor of Dental Medicine from Midwestern University, focuses on preventive and restorative care. Getting this foundation right before any restoration is central to how our team approaches every case.
When Bone Loss Has Already Happened
Long-term gum disease can lead to bone loss in the jaw. If that has happened in your case, bone grafting may be needed before an implant can be placed. We offer bone grafting as part of our Dental Fillings and Implants service, specifically to rebuild the jawbone structure that a successful implant depends on.
Whether grafting is necessary depends on what we find during your evaluation. That assessment is the starting point for everything. Dr. William Graves, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, completed his residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis and has practiced full scope oral surgery since 2008. He handles the surgical side of implant care for patients across Chicago and Worth, IL.
Implant Options Available at Full Smile Dental
Once your gum health is stable and your jaw is ready, we offer several implant-based treatments. Single tooth replacement restores one missing tooth from the root up. Implant-supported bridges address multiple missing teeth without relying on neighboring teeth for support. Immediate implants can be placed shortly after extraction in certain cases, helping preserve the surrounding bone.
For patients needing a larger restoration, the 4-Hour Smile approach uses strategically placed implants to rebuild more of the smile efficiently. Each option depends on what your evaluation reveals. Dr. Adham Badwan, our lead dentist who graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, leads our team with a patient-focused approach to every restorative case.
Insurance and Payment Options
Dr. Badwan and Dr. Jamal Sahloul are in-network with all Illinois Medicaid, Medicare, and PPO insurance plans. If you do not have insurance, we still provide care. Our team can review your coverage before treatment begins, so you know exactly where you stand financially before anything is scheduled.
We also offer flexible payment options to make the process more manageable. Implant treatment sometimes involves more than one stage, and we want to make sure cost does not become a barrier to getting the care you need. Reach out to our office, and we will walk through the details with you before your first appointment.
Take the First Step Today
Gum disease adds steps to the implant process. Those steps exist to protect your result and give your implant the strongest possible foundation. Coming in with gum concerns and getting the right treatment first is not a setback. It is how a lasting outcome gets built.
If you are in the Chicago area or near Worth, IL, and you want to know whether implants are a realistic option for you, we are ready to help. Call us at (708) 448-0468 or visit fullsmilechicago.com to request your appointment. We are open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an implant while gum disease is still active?
No. Active gum disease must be treated first. Once your gums are stable and infection-free, we can move forward with implant planning and placement.
What does deep dental cleaning do before an implant?
It removes bacteria from below the gumline, reduces infection, and lets your gums heal. Stable gums are necessary before any implant can be safely placed.
What if I have already lost bone from gum disease?
Bone grafting may be an option. We offer it as part of our Dental Fillings and Implants service to rebuild jawbone structure before placement. Your evaluation will confirm whether it is needed.
Does Full Smile Dental accept insurance for implant treatment?
Yes. Dr. Badwan and Dr. Sahloul are in-network with Illinois Medicaid, Medicare, and PPO plans. We also care for patients without insurance.