For many patients in Huddersfield, Doncaster, and across Yorkshire, dental implants are the “gold standard” for replacing missing teeth. However, a common concern we hear at Ark Dentistry is: “My gums are receding—can I still have dental implants?”
The short answer is: Yes, in most cases, you can. However, the journey to your new smile might require a few extra steps to ensure your implants are stable, healthy, and look natural.
In this guide, the experts at Ark Implants explain the relationship between gum health and dental implants, and how we help patients with gum recession achieve life-changing results.
What Causes Receding Gums?
Before considering dental implants in Yorkshire, it is vital to understand why gum recession happens. Receding gums occur when the tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or even the root.
The most common causes include:
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Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): The leading cause of recession. Bacteria destroy the gum tissue and the supporting bone.
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Aggressive Brushing: Using a hard-bristled brush or too much pressure can wear down the delicate gingival tissue.
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Genetics: Some people are naturally predisposed to thinner gum tissue.
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Tobacco Use: Smoking increases plaque and hinders blood flow to the gums.
Why Receding Gums Matter for Dental Implants
A successful dental implant needs two things: healthy bone and healthy gum tissue.
The gum tissue acts as a protective seal around the implant post. If you have significant recession, the titanium post may become visible (looking like a dark line at the gum line), or worse, the implant may be vulnerable to infection (peri-implantitis).
At our Huddersfield dental clinic and Doncaster practice, we prioritise the long-term success of your treatment. We don’t just place implants; we build a foundation that lasts a lifetime.
How Ark Dentistry Treats Receding Gums Before Implants
If you visit us for a consultation in Lindley (Huddersfield) or Edlington (Doncaster), our implantologists will perform a comprehensive assessment. If recession is present, we may recommend one of the following “pre-implant” treatments:
1. Periodontal Therapy
If active gum disease is the cause of your recession, we must treat it first. This often involves a “deep clean” known as scaling and root planing to remove bacteria from beneath the gum line.
2. Gum Grafting (Soft Tissue Augmentation)
To ensure your implant looks natural and stays protected, we can perform a gum graft. This involves taking a small amount of tissue (usually from the roof of the mouth) and attaching it to the recessed area. This creates a thick, healthy band of gum around the future implant.
3. Bone Grafting
Often, where there is gum recession, there is also bone loss. Ark Dentistry specialists can perform bone grafts to “bulk up” the jawbone, ensuring the dental implant has enough support to withstand the pressure of chewing.
The Ark Dentistry Advantage: Why Choose Us for Implants in Yorkshire?
Whether you are looking for dental implants in Doncaster, Huddersfield, or our upcoming Bradford location, Ark Dentistry offers a luxury patient experience combined with clinical excellence.
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Expert Implant Team: Our surgeons are highly experienced in complex cases involving gum disease and bone loss.
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Advanced Technology: We use 3D CT scanning to map your jaw and gum health with pinpoint accuracy.
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Sedation Options: For nervous patients, we offer IV sedation to make your implant journey completely stress-free.
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0% Finance: We believe life-changing dentistry should be accessible, which is why we offer flexible payment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gum disease come back after implants?
Yes. While the implant itself cannot decay, the surrounding tissue can still get “peri-implantitis” (the implant version of gum disease). Regular hygiene appointments at Ark Dentistry are essential to prevent this.
Is the procedure painful?
We use local anaesthetic to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure. Most patients describe the recovery as similar to a simple tooth extraction.
How long does the whole process take?
If you need a gum graft first, the process may take 6–9 months to allow for full healing before the final crown is placed.
Start Your Journey to a Confident Smile
Don’t let receding gums stop you from getting the smile you deserve. At Ark Dentistry, we have helped thousands of patients across West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire restore their confidence through expert restorative dentistry.
Ready to see if you’re a candidate?
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Visit our Huddersfield Practice: 16 Acre Street, Lindley, HD3 3DU
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Visit our Doncaster Practice: Martin Wells Centre, Thompson Avenue, DN12 1JD
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Coming Soon: New dental clinic in Bradford.