Gum Disease and Dental Implants

Extending the life of your implants.

Dental implants have many benefits over other options for replacing missing teeth. One of the reasons for this is that, unlike others, the implants are placed into the jaw itself, replicating the root of a natural tooth and delivering similar benefits.

The strength and security that this method offers is also a significant factor in the length of time that dental implants last. Providing that good care is taken, dental implants should be expected to last for many years.

Aftercare

The survival of a dental implant does not simply happen on its own though and depends on the aftercare that it is given.

Although the dental implant is an artificial tooth and cannot therefore suffer from infections in the way that a natural tooth can, the surrounding gum is just as susceptible to gum disease as in any other area of the mouth.

At the Darren Bywater Dental Implant Centre, we continually remind our patients of the importance of both brushing and flossing their teeth to prevent the occurrence of gum disease as it is one of the major risk factors for dental implants – and yet one which is reasonably easily avoided with a little care.

Although the vast majority of patients have no problem with brushing their teeth, flossing is often neglected. This is unfortunate as gum disease often occurs when food particles are left stuck between the teeth in areas that a brush can’t reach.

Even with both brushing and flossing though, it is important not to neglect regular visits to our Derby implant dentist to ensure that any traces of gum disease can be identified and treated quickly.

Problems arising

If dental implants are not given the correct aftercare and the oral bacteria that causes gum diseases are allowed to thrive, the implant itself may be threatened.

Once gum disease takes hold and reaches the stage where not only the gums, but the bone surrounding the implant too is affected, the density of the bone in that area can be reduced, leaving the implant to become progressively less secure.

To help ensure that your new dental implant remains healthy, we recommend that you visit the Darren Bywater Dental Implant Centre for regular inspections and professional care as well as following good oral health practices at home.

Providing that these guidelines are followed, dental implants should give you many years of strong and healthy service.

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