Yes, you can have dental implants with receding gums but it is usually required to treat the receding gums first.

If you have untreated gum disease then it can infect the new implants.
If you have lost a lot of bone through gum disease then you may need to have additional bone grafting.

Dental implants last for many years, the vast majority are still functioning after 15 years but it’s important that they are carefully cleaned every day and checked regularly by your dentist.

If you are a smoker or a bit lax with your cleaning then you are much more likely to encounter problems.

Diabetes, particularly poorly controlled or unstable diabetes can also cause implant problems. We will make personalised recommendations for the cleaning and upkeep of your new implants.

A dental surgeon can often fit a new dental implant on the same day as removing a failed tooth. But if the gum and bone are infected or receded then it’s generally wise to be cautious and let the area heal before fitting the implant.

A one day implant is best considered when the bone is ideal, there is no infection and your bite isn’t too tight or heavy. Sometimes we will also do a one day implant if it’s the only way to restore a smile.

Dental implants are expensive but, carefully done and well looked after, they can last for decades.

Dentures are by far the cheapest option and sometimes they can look really good but they have to be removed overnight and for cleaning.
Tooth supported bridges are a good alternative but only if the remaining teeth are strong and would benefit from crowning.

Often it can be fit on the same day as the tooth extraction though sometimes it is better to wait 2 months. If you wait too long then you are more likely to experience bone resorption and require bone grafting.

The extraction has to be done very carefully and gently to avoid damaging the remaining bone. Cleaning away any infection and scar tissue also helps the bone heal better and improves the area ready for an implant.

A dental implant is better than a bridge if the nearby teeth don’t need to be capped or aren’t strong enough to carry as a bridge.

The problem with a bridge is that it damages the supporting teeth which can become decayed, break or develop dental abscesses. Research shows that over time the teeth supporting the bridge are more likely to be lost than if the gap had been filled with an implant.