Avoidable Issues That Could Arise With Dental Implants

A dental implant is designed to replace the roots of a lost tooth. The implant is positioned in the jawbone in a manner similar to the way a natural tooth's roots rest in their socket. The implant does not move about because it is held securely in place by the device's integration with the jawbone. 

As the implant wound heals, the jawbone grows around it. During this process, which is called osseointegration, bone cells continue to reproduce near the implant until the cells engulf the device.

The implant can be covered by a single dental crown, a dental bridge, or a denture. The stabilization offered by an implant makes it a great foundation for tooth-replacement applications. 

The device even stimulates the jawbone as you chew, encouraging the production of additional cells to maintain the bone's mass. Nevertheless, an implant-based restoration can still encounter problems.

Issues with dental implants are rare. However, they can occur in certain instances. Here are a few possible issues that could arise and how they can be avoided.

Periimplantitis

Like other forms of gum disease, periimplantitis occurs due to gingival inflammation. However, this type of periodontal disease occurs around a dental implant. The gums may redden, swell, and bleed. 

The inflammation can make it difficult for the soft tissues to heal properly around the wound. It may even prevent the completion of osseointegration. If the implant cannot stabilize within the bone of the jaw, the device will fail.

To avoid periimplantitis, the implant patient should brush and floss extensively. Additionally, they should rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. The patient should also take any oral antibiotics that their dentist may have prescribed as directed. Smoking should be avoided as well.

The additional hygienic efforts help reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth. The initial inflammation of the gums is usually caused by acids produced by the oral microbes as they digest their food.

Disconnection From the Jawbone

A dental implant can disconnect from the jawbone due to trauma. The trauma can be caused by a physical blow to the oral cavity or excessive bite pressure. Damaging bite pressure often occurs during episodes of bruxism, dental grinding that may occur at night as a patient sleeps. 

To protect an implant from trauma, the patient should wear a sports guard when participating in contact sports. Additionally, they should use a night guard to reduce the pressure from dental grinding.

For more information about implants, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your local area.  


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