Protect Dental Implants from Peri-Implantitis
Dental Implants are incredibly strong, and durable, options for replacing missing teeth. Dental Implants are remarkably common, available, and advanced method to replace one to all of the missing teeth a patient has. However the process is long, and takes its’ toll on the patient. There are certain concerns and cautions to be wary of when taking care of your Dental Implants. The proper hygiene and maintenance can protect your implants from disease, like Peri-Implantitis, for the rest of the patient’s life.
What is the Dental Implant Procedure like?
The Dental Implant procedure involves assessing the patient for candidacy. In order to be a candidate for dental implant surgery, the patient must have available bone density in the jaw bone to anchor the implant. If this is not present, options like bone grafting are available. The patient’s medical history, dental health history, and history of infections should all be reviewed as well.
The surgery begins with a procedure to insert a metal anchor into the jawbone. The anchor piece is inserted into the gums, down into the alveolar jaw bone. Once it has been placed, the patient must wait a couple of weeks for the wound to heal. As it heals the bone grows and accepts the implant piece. The structure of bone and tissue secures the implant into the jaw, allowing the dental crown implant to be attached. Various materials are available to use in the procedure, and patients should inquire about the durability and appearance of the implant and crown.
How can you protect Dental Implant from Peri-Implantitis?
The first step to protect your Dental Implants from Peri-Implantitis is to keep it clean. Most gum disease is caused by poor hygiene. Dental Implants specifically are made from very high quality materials, making the likely culprit of a loose implant gum disorders. Implants should be cared for the same as your original teeth.
- Flossing- Flossing is the only way to get stubborn food particles from in between the crevices on the surface of your teeth. There is a curvature to each tooth, an you want to gently use the floss to maneuver between all of them. Floss regularly, especially after meals.
- Brushing- Brush at least twice a day. Consider your gums when you are brushing. Many have a hard time balancing between brushing too hard, and not brushing enough. Brushing hard with firm bristles will help to clean the tooth, but it will cause your gums to recede. Using soft tip bristles should protect your gums from receding. Use softer circular motions, like you were polishing–not scrubbing.
- Mouthwash- Mouthwash allows you to reach larger surface areas, like your cheek. It also occupies spaces that no physical piece of floss or brush could. It is great for implant protection, and also excellent to help clean the back of your mouth and throat.
Speak to your Dentist
Use your dental care team (Dentist, Dental Surgeon, Dental Hygienist) in order to adequately protect yourself and your dental implants from disease.