A few years ago, I started thinking carefully about what I could do to improve my smile. I had lived with crooked, yellowed teeth for most of my adult life, and honestly, I just wanted to feel beautiful. I started thinking about working with a cosmetic dentist, and before I knew it, I was in an office getting a complimentary consultation. I learned about a variety of different procedures that could improve my look, and it was really fun. I wanted to create a blog all about making smiles more beautiful, which is why I made this website. Check out this blog for great information about dentistry.
Dental implants are a great way to improve your smile and your oral health. However, in order to accomplish these benefits, you have to be committed to good oral care. Failing to fulfill this commitment can lead to an increased risk of implant infection. Make sure you understand this risk as well as how you can protect yourself.
Types of Infections
While there are a number of infections that can occur with dental implants, the two most significant infections are peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis. Both of these conditions are very similar to gum disease. With peri-implant mucositis, the infection typically begins as a result of bacteria, such as plaque, building up along the gum line. With excessive accumulation, the bacteria eventually travel into the soft tissues that surround the implant where it settles and creates an infection.
Signs of this type of infection include tender gums and bleeding when brushing. Generally, when a person fails to treat their case of peri-implant mucositis, it can eventually turn into peri-implantitis, which is more serious because it can cause bone loss. Once the bone that is supporting an implant begins to deteriorate, the implant can fall out.
Protecting Yourself
One of the best defenses against these infections are good oral hygiene practices. Some people are under the impression that simply because their teeth are false, the same oral hygiene practices they followed with their natural teeth aren't necessary. Oral hygiene doesn't just benefit your teeth, but also your gums. Keeping your gums healthy and clean can help ward off infection.
If you smoke, you can further protect yourself by stopping this practice. Smoking naturally introduces a number of bacteria into your mouth. The more bacteria present inside your mouth, the greater the chance of it penetrating within your gum line and causing a problem.
Risk Factors
Even with good oral hygiene practices, some people are at an increased risk for these types of infections. In addition to smokers, people who suffer from diabetes or those who have had previous cases of gum disease are at an increased risk. People who fall in this group should be especially diligent about oral hygiene and be committed to visiting their dental provider more often than someone who doesn't fall in the category.
At the first indication that you might be dealing with one of these infections, make sure you are talking with your provider. These conditions are treatable, but they do require swift action on your part. Contact a dental practice, such Merrimack Valley Periodontics, if you have questions about your dental implants.
Share22 December 2015
