Implants
You have a lovely new implant for which you've paid a lot of money.
It may not be a real tooth, but it is just as susceptible to problems as a real tooth, and when you do get problems, they are far more difficult and expensive to treat.
The first thing is hygiene. Even though implants can't decay, you can still get gum disease around them. However, the problems that this gum disease can cause are usually irreversible!
When bacteria aren't cleaned away, they accumulate at the junction between the implant and the bone supporting it. This will result in the bone and overlying gum shrinking away. Over a long period of time, this damage to the implant/bone interface will result in recurring infections and eventually loss of support, and hence loss of the implant.
Therefore, the single most important thing to do is to brush and floss around the implant, and the rest of your teeth, at least twice a day.
If you are unsure as to how to do this, come in and we'll show you.
Implants also require ongoing review and maintenance.
Every year you should arrange an appointment so they can be checked. This is a simple review, and what we do is:
1. Check that they are being cleaned properly
2. Take an x-ray
3. Check the bite
Sometimes the screw retaining the implant may loosen or fracture. If this happens, you should call immediately and we'll either tighten the screw, or replace it. If you leave it, irreversible damage may occur.
Like a normal tooth, the implant crown can be subject to wear and tear, and chipping or cracking of the porcelain may occur. This can simply be dealt with by removing the crown and sending it to the lab for repair.
The important thing about implants is that if you think you have a problem it is important that you see about it immediately, and you should let the receptionist know this is the case.
You have a lovely new implant for which you've paid a lot of money.
It may not be a real tooth, but it is just as susceptible to problems as a real tooth, and when you do get problems, they are far more difficult and expensive to treat.
The first thing is hygiene. Even though implants can't decay, you can still get gum disease around them. However, the problems that this gum disease can cause are usually irreversible!
When bacteria aren't cleaned away, they accumulate at the junction between the implant and the bone supporting it. This will result in the bone and overlying gum shrinking away. Over a long period of time, this damage to the implant/bone interface will result in recurring infections and eventually loss of support, and hence loss of the implant.
Therefore, the single most important thing to do is to brush and floss around the implant, and the rest of your teeth, at least twice a day.
If you are unsure as to how to do this, come in and we'll show you.
Implants also require ongoing review and maintenance.
Every year you should arrange an appointment so they can be checked. This is a simple review, and what we do is:
1. Check that they are being cleaned properly
2. Take an x-ray
3. Check the bite
Sometimes the screw retaining the implant may loosen or fracture. If this happens, you should call immediately and we'll either tighten the screw, or replace it. If you leave it, irreversible damage may occur.
Like a normal tooth, the implant crown can be subject to wear and tear, and chipping or cracking of the porcelain may occur. This can simply be dealt with by removing the crown and sending it to the lab for repair.
The important thing about implants is that if you think you have a problem it is important that you see about it immediately, and you should let the receptionist know this is the case.
Post Treatment Advice
CB Dental
www.cbdental.com.au E-Mail: reception@cbdental.com.au Tel: 02 6282 7633 Fax: 02 6282 7644