Implant Surgery & Support
Tooth loss from gum disease
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Treatment is possible at every stage — and the earlier you intervene, the more of your own teeth you keep.
How it progresses
Gum disease begins as gingivitis: inflamed, bleeding gums with no bone involvement. At this stage it is fully reversible.
Untreated, it advances to periodontitis, where infection moves below the gumline and destroys the bone that holds your teeth in place. Teeth loosen, shift, and are eventually lost — not because the teeth failed, but because their foundation did.
Three stages of treatment
Prevention & Management
Early gingivitis is reversed with professional cleaning and improved home care. Advanced periodontitis requires deep cleaning below the gumline, and sometimes surgical therapy to access and decontaminate deeper pockets.
Tooth Replacement
Dental implants are well suited to replacing teeth lost to gum disease, because they do not depend on neighbouring teeth — which are often compromised themselves in these cases. Where bone has been destroyed, grafting rebuilds the site.
Integrated Treatment
The underlying periodontal disease must be brought under control before tooth replacement. Placing implants into an active infection is how you lose them too.
Common questions
What are the signs of gum disease? +
Bleeding when brushing or flossing, swollen or red gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and in later stages loose or shifting teeth.
Can gum disease be reversed? +
Gingivitis can be fully reversed. Once it has progressed to periodontitis and bone has been lost, the disease can be halted and managed but the lost bone does not return on its own.
Is gum disease contagious? +
The bacteria involved are present in everyone's mouth. What differs is how the immune system responds and how well the bacteria are controlled by daily cleaning.
What increases my risk? +
Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and diabetes are the major factors. Genetics and certain medications also play a role.
Can I still get implants? +
Yes, once the disease is under control. Patients with a history of periodontitis need stricter implant maintenance, because the same bacteria threaten implants too.
How do I reduce the risk? +
Twice-daily brushing, daily cleaning between teeth, and professional cleanings on the schedule we recommend for your risk level — which for some patients is every three to four months rather than six.
Questions about your procedure?
Treatment is possible at every stage. Book an assessment on (905) 479-7777.