Implants

DENTAL IMPLANT

A dental implant crown is the final and permanent step in replacing a missing tooth with an implant. They can preserve surrounding oral tissues normally compromised by a missing tooth. They are better than dental bridges since no additional teeth will be altered to replace the missing teeth. They are better than dentures since they are fixed and they preserve your jawbone by integrating with the bone.

ONGOING CARE:

Dental implant crowns require diligent daily home care and regular professional dental cleanings in order to ensure their longevity. Brush gently with a soft bristle tooth brush, and use dental floss or soft proxy brushes to clean between your teeth on a daily basis. We recommend Waterpik for patients with implant-supported bridges to be used daily. Typically, we recommend that patients with dental implants return for professional dental cleanings every 3-6 months. Radiographs may also be taken during these routine visits. The professional cleaning and checkup will help maintain the health of the implant, and spot any potential issues early on.

COMPLICATIONS:

A less common but more serious complication of dental implants in peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is chronic inflammation of the tissue around the implant that leads to bone resorption and implant failure. Smoking is one of the risk factors that cause dental implant failure. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease by restricting blood flow to the gums and slowing the healing process; it also causes dry mouth by blocking salivary gland production and that creates an unhealthy oral environment. Vaping is even more damaging than cigarettes due to creating higher temperature in the mouth. It is important that you stop smoking in order to maximize the longevity of your dental implants. Other risks of implant failure include periodontal disease, age, certain medications and poor oral hygiene.