What is Periodontal Disease And Can It Affect Newly Placed Dental Implants?
You might be forgiven for thinking that because dental implants aren’t real teeth they aren’t subject to oral diseases like our natural teeth are. The truth is that dental implants are just as prone to oral problems and for this reason anyone undergoing dental implants in Richmond, or indeed anywhere else in the country should realise that it’s a long-term commitment to keep their mouth in good health. One such problem is periodontal disease, but how does it affect dental implants?
In essence periodontal disease is a serious type of gum disease that is usually preceded by a milder form known as gingivitis. More often than not a tell tale sign of gingivitis is the bleeding of the gums usually after brushing or flossing. Although at this stage treatment is simple and takes 1-2 weeks to clear, if not dealt with it can lead to fully blown gum problems such as periodontal disease.
As far as a newly placed dental implant in Richmond is concerned, when it’s not cleaned thoroughly and regularly bacteria and plaque build up at the base of the implant and go on to form tartar. Tartar is a hard shell-like substance that then starts to attack the gum. Over time it can weaken the footing upon which the implant is placed allowing it to become loose and in some cases painful. Advanced forms of gum disease in implants are known as peri-implantitis. More often than not, when this is diagnosed it’s too late and the implant has to be removed. That’s if it hasn’t already fallen out of it’s own accord.
So how is peri-implantitis prevented?
Firstly the good news is that it is preventable by practising high levels of oral hygiene. This may mean using a special smaller specialised brush which accesses the tiny food particles and debris that form between the recesses of the implant and thorough regular flossing and rinsing. Any decent implant dentist will recommend a particular brush or type of mouthwash to help. The second and equally important step is to attend regular dental check-ups. This might be every 3-6 months in the early stages of having an implant fitted. Doing so enables the dentist to firstly spot any problems early which might have otherwise gone unnoticed, but also allows the hygienist to remove any build up of tartar from around the implant which can’t otherwise be removed by normal brushing alone.
As you can see, although periodontal disease is potentially damaging for dental implants, by practising preventative measures, your implants should remain both healthy and disease-free for many years to come.
To find out more about dental implants in Richmond and what that entails, check out our website at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk or alternatively if you’d like to get a first hand account, then contact us on 020 8876 5277 and book yourself a free, no-obligation consultation. Here you can get all your questions and concerns answered allowing you to make an informed decision about your dental future moving forwards.