Many people don’t realize that gum disease, more than tooth decay or injury, accounts for the highest percentage of adult tooth loss in the U.S. Over 50% of adults over the age of 30 exhibit the signs of periodontal disease. Dental implants have become one of the most popular choices for replacing teeth lost to advanced gum disease, or periodontitis. While dental implants are a great solution to the tooth loss brought about by gum disease, the implants themselves are susceptible to the inflammation associated with gum disease. In today’s blog, your Philadelphia implant dentists explain the complicated relationship between gum disease and dental implants.
How Gum Disease Affects a Dental Implant
Dental implants are specifically designed to look and act like natural teeth. As a result, implants can be just as vulnerable to the devastating effects of gum disease as natural teeth. Referred to as peri-implantitis, which is defined as “inflammation of the area around an implant,” this problem typically occurs when a person with dental implants fails to maintain good oral hygiene. Peri-implantitis can cause the bone tissue around the implant to degrade, causing the implant to fail.
Symptoms of Peri-Implantitis
Common symptoms of a peri-implantitis include:
- Sore or red gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Sensitivity around the tooth
- Unpleasant taste
- Chronic bad breath
Solutions for Patients with Implants and Gum Disease
In most cases, a dental professional can perform a deep cleaning to address inflammation surround the implant. If left untreated however, the implant may need to be removed. Once this occurs, a bone graft may be necessary before a new implant can be placed. In order to avoid this, patients should simply maintain good dental habits. Always brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and floss once. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash as well. These simple steps help cleanse the mouth of the harmful bacteria and stray food particles that lead to inflammation, and eventually, gum disease.
Schedule a Visit with Your Philadelphia Implant Dentists
Interested in improving the health and beauty of your smile? Schedule a free consultation and a low dose panoramic X-ray today by calling 484-231-1177. At By Design Dental, we provide affordable and convenient dental implants, employing the latest in implant technology to restore your smile to full function and appearance. We look forward to seeing you soon at our office located at The Atrium, 234 Mall Blvd., Suite 180, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
