Dental Implants and Gum Disease
A dental implant is the best way to replace a missing tooth. But it requires a healthy jaw and gum tissue for success. If gum disease has advanced, it may be impossible to place an implant.
Chewing gum is okay with implants, but you should choose sugar-free gum to avoid a buildup of plaque around the crown or restoration. This can lead to irritation, infection or other oral health problems.
Healthy Gums
The gums play a critical role in the dental implant process. If the gums are unhealthy, it is unlikely that an individual will be able to get a dental implant. During an examination, the dentist will look for signs of gum disease and other oral issues.
Healthy gums are pink and firm, without any sensitivity or bleeding when brushed or flossed. They also promote saliva production, which helps to wash away bacteria that can cause plaque buildup and other oral problems. 대구 뼈이식 임플란트
If left untreated, the early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis, can lead to the more serious condition, periodontitis. This can destroy the bone around a person’s tooth and lead to loose teeth or even tooth loss. Therefore, it is essential to keep your gums healthy at all times. This can be achieved by daily brushing and flossing, eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, and visiting the dentist regularly for routine cleanings and checkups.
Good Oral Hygiene
Just like natural teeth, dental implants and artificial teeth need to be brushed, flossed, and rinsed with an antiseptic mouthwash on a regular basis. These habits help to remove bacteria and food particles that can irritate gum tissue.
It is recommended that patients brush their implants twice a day, using a toothbrush with the proper bristles and implant-friendly toothpaste. It is also a good idea to brush the chewing surfaces and the area around the implant as well.
Flossing can be tricky for those with dental implants, especially when it comes to the pontic (fake tooth) area. Luckily, there are special flossing tools available that can make the process much easier. A hygienist who is experienced in caring for patients with dental implants will be able to give you a detailed analysis of how you are cleaning your implants and can offer suggestions on areas where improvement is needed.
Routine Dental Checkups
A dental implant has the appearance and function of a natural tooth, so it requires the same basic care. The dentist will need to do a full oral exam, which may include taking X-rays of the gums and jaw bones, as well as using an intraoral camera to view the inside of the mouth.
You should brush and floss, but you should also use special products, such as unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss to get in between the nooks and crannies of the crown and artificial teeth. A water flosser that loosens and flushes away plaque with a stream of pressurized water is another good option.
If you have gum disease, it can affect the implants, remaining natural teeth and jaw bone. But with treatment, you can manage and possibly reverse the disease. The best thing to do is get regular dental checkups, typically every six months. These will help prevent and detect any oral health issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay, early on.
Regular Cleanings
When you get dental implants, the treatment is nearly identical to the way you would treat natural teeth. This means you must practice a stringent oral hygiene routine and schedule regular appointments to keep your gums healthy and your implants and natural teeth in good condition.
Dental implant restorations can build up plaque and bacteria just as natural teeth can. If not removed, the bacterial debris can damage the surrounding tissue, eventually leading to bone loss and implant failure. 상인 램브란트 치과
To prevent this, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Angle your brush toward the gumlines, and use short strokes around all surfaces of each tooth. Twice a week, you should also floss with traditional floss or a floss threader, which can reach between the gaps of wider restorations such as bridges. These tools have metal tips that could scratch the softer titanium surface of an implant, so some manufacturers make plastic sleeve covers for these cleaners to reduce this risk.