If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be considering dental implants as an option to replace them. Dental implants are a great solution for tooth loss, but it is important to understand the connection between periodontics and dental implants. In this blog post, we will discuss the relationship between periodontics and dental implants, and we will provide information on how to maintain your oral health after receiving dental implants.
What is periodontics?
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) diseases. It also covers procedures such as dental implants, tooth extraction, osseous surgery, crown lengthening, and more. The main goal of periodontics is to help patients maintain healthy gums and teeth for life. Periodontists provide specialized treatment to help prevent, control, and treat gum disease. They use the latest in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to help patients achieve optimal oral health.
What is dental implants?
Dental implants are a modern solution for replacing teeth that have been lost due to injury, disease or decay. A dental implant is artificial titanium root which acts as an anchor for a tooth replacement such as a crown, bridge or denture. The titanium fuses with the jawbone and forms a strong foundation for supporting the new teeth.
What is the connection between periodontics and dental implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution for tooth replacement. Periodontics is the field of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating gum disease, which can be a factor in the success rate of dental implants.
Periodontists ensure that there is adequate support for the implant, as well as healthy gums to prevent infection or inflammation of the implant site. They provide special preventative and restorative treatments, such as scaling and root planing, to maintain oral health before, during, and after an implant is placed.
Periodontists also create customized care plans for each patient to ensure that implants are successful. Without healthy gums and adequate support from the jawbones, dental implants may fail to integrate with the jawbone and become loose over time.
Periodontists are trained professionals that understand how to best prepare a patient’s mouth for dental implant surgery, resulting in a higher success rate and greater satisfaction with the final outcome.
How can periodontics help dental implants last longer?
Periodontics can help dental implants last longer by ensuring the surrounding tissue is healthy. The mouth’s natural environment, including the teeth and gums, needs to be in a good condition for the implant to successfully integrate with it. Periodontal treatment helps maintain the health of your gums and can reduce inflammation, which may help reduce the risk of dental implant failure.
Additionally, periodontal treatment can potentially slow down or even stop bone loss around a dental implant, which is important for maintaining its stability and longevity.
Finally, regular visits to your periodontist can also help you maintain good oral hygiene and spot any potential problems before they get worse.
Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants are generally considered to be a safe procedure when performed by an experienced, qualified dentist. The risk of infection is low and complications can usually be avoided with proper aftercare. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with dental implants. These include:
- Pain or swelling at the implant site
- Damage to surrounding teeth, gums or other structures
- Nerve damage and numbness in the lips, chin or jaw area
- Implant rejection or failure
- Infection of the implant site
- Allergic reaction to the materials used
It is important to discuss any potential risks with your dentist before getting dental implants. They can help you make an informed decision about whether the procedure is right for you.
In addition, it’s important to take good care of your dental implants to reduce the risk of complication and keep them looking their best. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, using a soft toothbrush, avoiding biting or chewing on hard objects, and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups.
By taking the necessary precautions, dental implants can be a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth. Talk to your dentist today to find out if they are right for you.