Q. Dear DOCTOR I suffer with periodontal disease which is controlled and my teeth are not loose. Recently I have had a sharp pain on chewing under a molar that is crowned. Following an x-ray I have been told that there is chronic infection low down irritating the nerve and that the tooth will have to come out. I am an NHS patient but am prepared to pay privately to have an implant which the NHS dentist would do. I am told there is no rush to decide providing the pain is only occasional . Does this mean it will not make me ill if I take my time . Also what is the success rate for implants on people with gum disease and would the infection need to be treated before commencing or is chronic infection something that does not go away.Thankyou