Protect Dental Implants from Peri-Implantitis
The success rate of dental implants is estimated to be between 90 and 95%, making them an excellent and reliable option for replacing one or more missing teeth. It’s important to care for dental implants, however, if you want to help them provide you with a lifetime of use. Without proper care, complications from dental implant procedures can arise, putting the success of the implants at risk and jeopardizing your investment into your own well-being. Dental implants are made of two or three separate parts; all implants include a metal cylinder that is implanted in the jaw and serves as the root of a replacement tooth, and a dental crown that attaches to the implant, and some implants also include a third element, called an abutment, that attaches the implant to the crown. Dental implants are a secure, stable replacement option for missing teeth. They allow their wearer to securely chew a variety of foods, and they never slip or loosen like removable dentures often do. They also look almost exactly like natural teeth, similar in color and translucence, providing their wearer with a confident smile that can last a lifetime. It’s imperative to remember that dental implants are susceptible to the same problems as natural teeth, however, and that plaque buildup can lead to destruction of the periodontal tissues even when there are no natural teeth present.
Bacterial plaque that accumulates at the base of the gums and along the surface of the implant can cause peri-implantitis, a disease that is classified by the American Academy of Periodontology as destructive inflammation in the tissues around the implant that causes the gum tissue and bone to deteriorate. Because the gum tissue and the bone support the dental implant, when these tissues are compromised, the dental implant is no longer stable and will eventually loosen and become mobile if left untreated. Peri-implantitis is not a common problem, but it is vital to see your dentist for regular examinations, including x-rays or other radiographic images, to detect infection early and prevent it from progressing and leading to implant failure.
With proper care, dental implants can be expected to last many years. Dental implants should be cleaned regularly by brushing twice daily and cleaning between the teeth daily; if the dental prosthesis includes more than one tooth, it is still important to floss the surrounding gum tissue. If your dental implants are particularly complex or in harder-to-reach locations, you may want to use a water flosser or other type of interdental cleaner. Dental examinations and professional cleanings can further ensure that the gums and bone remain healthy and the implants remain secure. Because smoking increases the risk of implant failure, you may want to talk to your dentist about a smoking cessation plan. If you have diabetes or a history of gum disease, talk to your dentist and your primary care doctor to determine if there are any extra measures they may recommend to maintain the health of your periodontal tissues and help the implants succeed. Finally, if any of the early signs of peri-implantitis appear, see your dentist immediately. These early signs include tenderness in the gums, an inflamed appearance in the tissues, and bleeding upon brushing or flossing. Peri-implantitis isn’t reversible, but it is preventable, and proper care can help you preserve your investment in your smile.