Handy tips for Implant Care

Dental implant surgery is a popular option for replacing missing teeth. Unlike removable dentures that rest on the gum line, dental implants are surgically implanted into the jaw. These implanted, artificial teeth look like real teeth and have the same functionality as well. They are a more permanent solution to ordinary dentures and bridgework.

 Tooth implants have been used successfully for many years. Good oral hygiene is critical in caring for your implant. It takes special effort to maximize plaque bacteria removal every day. This means along with regular dental visits, you need to brush properly, floss regularly, and clean the space between your teeth (called inter dental spaces) with an inter dental brush. Using an antibacterial toothpaste will help maximize plaque bacteria reduction by continuing to kill plaque bacteria after brushing.

Inadequate oral hygiene can lead to the loss of implants. If oral hygiene is inadequate, bacteria multiply on the surface of the implant to harmful levels. This will result in inflammation of the gums, which is called mucositis. If left untreated, bone loss around the implant may result, leading to peri-implantitis.

Peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant with loss of bone) can be compared to periodontitis. The two diseases are caused by similar bacteria. This is why untreated periodontitis can increase the risk of failure of an implant. Like periodontitis, peri-implantitis leads to a breakdown of the jawbone. This causes the implant to loose its anchorage and become loose. Peri-implantitis is actually the most common cause of loss of implants.

Caring for Your Implant-

Smoking:  This is one of the greatest risks for implant-related complications. You should therefore try to quit smoking.

Oral Hygiene:  Thoroughly cleaning and caring for the implant during all steps of the treatment is extremely important. Careful attention to your oral hygiene every day is important for the survival of your implant.

Maintenance:  Visiting your dental practice for regular check-ups (recalls), is just as important. The dentist recommends the frequency of the recare visits based health and oral condition, but they are usually at intervals of three to six months. At these visits, your implants, teeth and gums are checked and professionally cleaned. Especially areas which you cannot reach at home are cleaned. Professional cleaning of implants is more complex than cleaning teeth, which means that it takes longer and may require special instruments.

Mucositis and peri-implantitis can develop without any obvious symptoms. This is another reason why regular check-ups with your dentist are so important. Mucositis and peri-implantitis do not usually cause pain, so that patients often fail to notice the development of these diseases says Dr Cherukuri from her Chino California dental practice.