Dental implants in Rochester can be a fantastic solution for patients with missing teeth. They have the great potential to improve the function, beauty, and long-term health of your smile. However, implant dentistry also has certain risks when implants are improperly cared for. Specifically, peri-implantitis is among the most prominent issues that people with dental implants face. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to decrease your chances of experiencing negative effects and maintain your dental implants.
Risks Associated With Peri-Implant Diseases
Complications after dental implant placement are a serious concern as they can lead to a failed implant. However, your periodontist will provide individualized advice and treatment to minimize their likelihood. Conditions like mucositis and peri-implantitis are among the most common issues to watch for. In particular, peri-implantitis is a site-specific infectious disease that causes inflammation in the soft tissues and bone loss around the implant, potentially leading to severe consequences.[1]
As with any other surgical procedure, patients have an increased risk of developing an infection after receiving dental implants. One key difference is that the mouth is home to many kinds of bacteria, increasing the likelihood of an infection like peri-implantitis. The condition can progress quickly once it takes hold, sometimes causing lasting damage.
Signs of Peri-Implantitis to Watch For
One of the best ways to prevent peri-implantitis is to watch carefully for any warning signs. Spotting issues early will enable you to seek the necessary treatment to forestall further progress of the infection. Some of the most telling indicators include swollen, red, or bleeding gums around the implant site. These signs are very similar to general gum disease symptoms.
As many as 34% of patients experience some level of peri-implantitis after their dental implant procedures.[2] Watching for signs like a persistent bad taste or strange discharge can help detect the emerging condition. You may also notice gum recession as the infection spreads, affecting the implant site or adjacent teeth.
Additionally, an implant becoming loose is a serious warning sign that something has gone wrong, often pointing to peri-implantitis. If your dental implants show any degree of movement, contact your periodontist for immediate treatment.
Don’t Miss Your Follow-Up Appointments
Your implant dentistry treatment plan will include follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and long-term stability. Keeping up with these appointments is essential for preventing complications like peri-implantitis from taking hold. Your periodontist can diagnose and treat issues before they get out of control.
After your implant placement, your follow-up appointments will likely involve scans using advanced diagnostic tools. Various types of X-rays and other imaging will enable your periodontist to evaluate the healing of the implant site and search for subtle signs of infection.
Keeping up with routine checkups is essential even after the initial healing period. While the risk of complications drops after this healing period, you’ll still need ongoing monitoring and care to maintain your dental implants to avoid peri-implant disease and other complications in the future. Regular dental visits are recommended for patients regardless of whether they have dental implants.
Maintaining Your Oral Hygiene at Home
You can take some simple steps at home to improve your oral hygiene and reduce your risk of peri-implantitis. Following a standard routine of brushing and flossing twice daily goes a long way toward managing bacteria levels.
Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid irritating your gums around the implant site. Brush for the required amount of time (most dental experts recommend four minutes) and floss properly (special dental floss is available for implants). Remember that overly aggressive brushing can damage gum tissue and tooth enamel.
Mouthwash is another excellent addition. While it won’t replace brushing and flossing, it can help clean out some nooks and crannies you may have missed. You can even ask your periodontist for personalized product recommendations to maintain oral health and dental implants.
Minimizing Various Risk Factors
Certain activities and habits can dramatically increase your risk of peri-implantitis and a failed implant. For instance, smoking and other types of tobacco use should be avoided. Alcohol consumption is another risk factor, as it decreases saliva production and increases your risk of gum disease.
Some medical conditions can also make you more vulnerable to peri-implantitis. Diabetes is one example, as it’s closely linked to gum disease. Make sure to divulge all relevant details to your periodontist so they can account for these and other activities and conditions in your treatment plan.
Ensure Lasting Results From Your Dental Implants in Rochester, NY
Peri-implantitis is a major concern after getting dental implants. The experienced team at Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester can ensure that your dental implant procedure goes smoothly and without complications. Schedule a consultation today by calling 585-534-3346 or contacting us online.
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