If you have dental implants, you will enjoy all the benefits of having teeth that feel and look just like your own. Just like natural teeth, the gums around dental implants need regular maintenance and care. Dental implants are surrounded by living tissue, including bone and gum tissue. It is essential to take care of your dental implants and to keep them clean to prevent infection. The absence of bleeding characterises healthy peri-implant sites.
The differences in the supporting structure of dental implants make them more susceptible to inflammation and bone loss when plaque accumulates as compared to your teeth. Therefore, a comprehensive maintenance protocol should be followed to ensure the longevity of the implant.
Without the correct care, there’s a chance that your implants may become infected with a disease very similar to gum disease, which could ultimately lead to implant failure. Although failure rates for dental implants are low, poor oral hygiene is a well-documented cause that initiates the loss of bone around implants. Your hygienist appointments can help remind you how to keep your implants clean and help to improve your cleaning technique as required. Each time you see one of our hygienists, they will check six points around each implant for any bleeding areas and highlight them to you so you can focus your attention here. If you suspect that you may have bleeding from your implants or infection, make an appointment with your hygienist straight away. Peri-implant mucositis is inflammation around the gums of the implant tooth caused by the build-up of bacteria in the mouth. It is treatable and reversible if detected early by your hygienist. If the plaque isn’t removed, it can lead to peri-implantitis. This is a more severe condition, as bone loss can occur, and your implant may be at risk of developing further problems leading to the implant becoming loose. Our hygienists use a unique state-of-the-art cleaning technique called air polishing to clean plaque from underneath the gum line around your implants at each appointment, helping reduce bleeding.
During your dental hygiene appointment, our hygienists will discuss how you are getting on with cleaning your dental implants and can offer personalised advice based on your specific bleeding scores and give advice on possible ways to improve your oral care at home. If you find a particular technique tricky, they can suggest another approach.
Dental implants are not difficult to look after, but they need a good oral hygiene routine that will take only a few minutes each day. This will usually entail using an electric toothbrush with a circular head plus some interdental aid such as interdental brushes, interspace brushes, floss or a water pick. Our hygienists are very experienced in helping patients achieve and maintain excellent oral health and will help ensure you have all the information and advice you need to look after your dental implants successfully. Once you have your dental implants, the hygienist becomes the most important person to see. With the correct care, you should be able to enjoy your implant teeth for many years to come.
So, remember, don’t put off your hygienist appointment, as it is essential for the health and longevity of your implants; we look forward to seeing you.
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