Most patients do not realise that dental implants, like any other natural tooth, can get infected. As bacteria can collect on implant surfaces, and this can lead to peri-implant mucositis and/or peri-implantitis. Peri-implant mucositis is a reversible inflammatory reaction within the soft tissues that surrounds a dental implant, but with no bone loss. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition around dental implants often associated with the loss of surrounding bone. If implant becomes mobile and bone loss is detected this could mean failure of implant.
Cleaning
Dental implants require special maintenance by patients as well as monitoring by dental professional. Like any natural tooth structure, dental prosthetics, including implants can accumulate plaque and calculus, which is why good oral hygiene is crucial in maintaining good gum health around dental implants. With proper home care routine and regular dental check-ups and maintenance you can ensure that your dental implant will last you for a very long time.
Fitment Around the Gums
If the dental implant is healthy, then the gum tissue around it will be firm and tight, it will not bleed or hurt during brushing and flossing. The implant should not feel loose in the mouth and gums should not have red and swollen appearance.
Regular Checkups
It is very important to have regular dental check-up and oral hygiene visits to ensure longevity of the dental implants. This means to see a dental professional at least every six monthly or as recommended. Brushing your teeth including around implant crown twice a day and using some form of aid to clean in between it where bristles of the brush cannot reach. These aids include regular floss, Super floss, interdental brushes etc. At our practice our dental team is more than happy to help you find what it is that works best for your particular implant(s) and the rest of your teeth to keep them healthy and smiley.
Book an appointment to see one of our friendly dentists at North Sydney Dental Practice.
