Post Placement Care Important For Dental Implant Patients

Just like teeth, you can have inflammation around dental implants. It is called peri-implantitis.

Some of our Woodstock dental implant patients have the misconception that once missing teeth are replaced with dental implants, they don’t have to worry about taking care of them anymore. Dental implants, however, aren’t permanent if you don’t take care of them. Just like with your teeth, harmful oral bacteria can start growing around implants if you don’t brush and floss regularly. Gum tissue can begin to bleed, bone mass will be loss, and inflammation will develop around dental implants, a condition called peri-implantitis.

What is Peri-Implantitis?

Peri-Implantitis is an infectious disease that causes inflammation of the underlying gum and bone structures that surround an implant. Patients who use tobacco, practice poor oral hygiene, have uncontrolled diabetes, or a habit clenching/grinding their teeth have a higher risk for developing peri-implantitis. Symptoms of the disease include bleeding, exudate, swelling, and progressive loss of supporting bone structures.

To prevent this from happening, implant patients must maintain a thorough daily oral hygiene regimen. This includes brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing once a day, and scheduling regular exams and cleanings with our team at Woodstock Smiles. Patients are also recommended to take additional steps to improve their oral hygiene, such as the daily use of mouthwash and chewing sugar-free gum.

Enjoying a Healthy Smile

Woodstock dental implant patients don’t have to experience implant failure or peri-implantitis. By taking the time and making the effort to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you can enjoy a healthy implant for a lifetime.

Your oral health matters in more ways than you might imagine. Not only can brushing and flossing help to protect your dental implant, these daily habits can also significantly reduce your risk for other chronic health problems that include heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Take the first step towards reclaiming your smile. Call your Woodstock Smiles dentist and ask about implants and how to take care of them.