Dental Implant Maintenance
A dental implant is a titanium cylinder that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to support a dental crown, bridge or denture.
The dental implant becomes anchored into the bone through the process of osseointegration; after the implant is placed, the bone ‘heals’ and new bone growth attaches to the implant. This makes the implant stable enough to support a dental restoration and replace the chewing abilities of the missing tooth.
Dr. O'Neal provides dental implant surgery at our Marietta periodontal office.
Dental implants provide options to replace missing teeth that can be life-changing for patients who have struggled with eating or smiling. They are also an investment in your dental health that we want to help you protect. Learn more about dental implants.
How should I clean and maintain my dental implant?
Like your natural teeth, caring for your implant begins with a consistent home care routine of brushing twice a day and flossing once daily. As you clean the tooth surfaces, take extra care to keep the implant and surrounding gum tissue free of food debris and plaque.
It may be helpful to use floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean around the dental implant; these are available at most local drug stores, or feel free to ask one of our team members for suggestions.
We also recommend that our patients stay on schedule with their regular hygiene appointments as part of their dental implant maintenance regimen. During these visits, Dr. O'Neal or your dentist will check the implant and review current dental x-rays to make sure it is in good health. They will use dental instruments designed to clean around the dental implant to keep it free of plaque and tartar.
What other steps can I take to protect my dental implant?
A healthy dental implant can withstand normal chewing and eating habits. As with your natural teeth, don't bite anything other than food and avoid chewing ice or crunching hard candies.
Healthy implants also depend on healthy body systems; avoid tobacco use and talk with your physician and Dr. O'Neal about side effects of medications that may impact bone health or cause inflammation of the gum tissue.
What are the signs of problems with my dental implant?
Dr. O'Neal and your general dentist will monitor the periodontal health around your dental implant during your regular dental examination visits. If you notice receding or bleeding gums, or swelling and inflammation around the dental implant between visits, please Contact O'Neal Periodontics to be seen.
If your restoration or implant attachments become loose or damaged, it is important to contact your restorative dentist or Dr. O'Neal for an evaluation to consider corrective measures. A crown that comes off or a denture that is not fitting properly can lead to permanent damage to the dental implant if not repaired.
Laser Assisted Peri-Implant Procedure
Peri-implant disease is a condition caused by harmful oral bacteria that leads to inflammation and infection around the dental implant. If it is not treated, this infection can progress into the jaw bone and cause implant failure, requiring removal of the dental implant.
LAPIP®
If peri-implant disease is diagnosed, Dr. O'Neal may recommend a Laser Assisted Peri-Implant Procedure (LAPIP®). Dr. O'Neal utilizes the dental laser instrument to eliminate the bacteria around the dental implant and remove diseased tissue and debris.
The dental laser employs laser energy which is less invasive and more comfortable for the patient than traditional cutting procedures. Learn more about dental laser treatment at O'Neal Periodontics.
Your local Marietta Dental Implant Specialist
If you have questions about how to maintain your dental implant, we invite you to Contact O'Neal Periodontics for more information.