Avoid Peri-Implant Disease
Dental Implants take time, but they are worth it. Dental Implants should last on average about 10 years, depending on the patient and root cause of tooth loss. However, you have to take care of your implant, just like your teeth, to help avoid Peri-Implant disease. Most gum disease is due to poor hygiene, so begin by taking a sober look at your dental health procedure.
Dental Implants and Peri-Implant Disease
Dental Implants are a popular and plentiful option to replace missing teeth. Dental Implants involve surgically placing a dental implant anchor into the jawbone. This anchor is usually made of titanium. The implant anchor will slowly integrate into the structure of the jaw, as bone and tissue develop to secure it in place. This process is called Osseointegration. After the anchor is secure a dental crown can be attached with an abutment piece. The Implant is a permanent addition into the ergonomics of the jaw and the teeth.
However, over time, inflammatory diseases can impact the implant. Peri-Implant diseases are those that enter the gumline and interact with the soft tissue, bone, or jaw underneath the implant. The most common forms are simply gum inflammation. Peri-Mucositis is an inflammatory disease that is contained in the soft tissue around the implant. The gums will be sore, red, tender, and may bleed. The implant may move slightly, but the root security is still in place in the jaw.
A more developed form of Peri-Implant disease is Peri-Implantitis. Peri-Implantitis means “Inflammation” under the implant. The diagnosis for Peri-Implantitis is concerned with damage to the bone structure. Once the infection or disease has started to degrade the jaw and alveolar bone under the implant, it is classified as Peri-Implantitis. Peri-Implantitis has symptoms such as; hypermobile implant, gum sensitivity and redness, gum bleeding and discharge, bone structure and jaw damage.
Proper Hygiene to avoid Peri-Implant Disease
Most gum disease has a root cause–plaque and tartar. Patients are responsible for all the dental care that takes place outside of the office, namely the vast majority of brushing and flossing that should happen every day. Implants are in your mouth to stay, and must be cared for just as original teeth.
- Brush- Brush after every meal, if possible. If not, brush at least twice a day. It will make you feel better, and will keep your mouth and teeth feeling fresher in between cleanings. Teeth cleanings feel amazing, and brushing regularly in between will keep plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth and entering your gums.
- Floss- No single thing is as effective as flossing in between your teeth, in terms of protecting from Peri-Implant disease. The food particles wedged in between your teeth are a large culprit for plaque and tartar accumulation.
- Mouthwash- Mouthwash can be swished and swashed all throughout your mouth, gums, cheeks, and throat. It is effective and refreshing.
Begin the process
See your dentist, discuss tooth replacement options. After that, discuss what long term care for your replacement teeth looks like. Ask questions about what you need to do today to protect your implants, and defend your teeth from Peri-Implant disease.