Restoring Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are the most secure method for replacing lost teeth. With proper care, your dental implants can last indefinitely. There are some potential threats, though, that could damage your dental implants. Dr. Hanne Hollenbeck, the highly skilled dentist at our office in Murrysville, PA can restore your dental implants if damage has occurred.

Gum Disease and Dental Implants

Dental implants are extremely strong. They are made from a hypoallergenic metal, such as titanium, which is quite durable. Dental implants are made even stronger by permanently fusing with bone tissue in the jawbone through a natural process known as osseointegration. However, one factor that could put your dental implants at risk is the development of gum disease.

Your dental implants are most at risk when they are newly placed and have not finished fusing with bone tissue. If gum disease develops during the first few months after placement of the dental implants, it could affect their ability to fully fuse with the bone.

Even after dental implants have fully integrated, gum disease could still pose a problem. If the gum tissue surrounding the dental implant begins receding, that could affect the stability and fit of the implant. Additionally, if the infection that caused the gum disease spreads to the jawbone, that could lead to further instability.

Some signs of gum disease include receding gums, loose teeth, swollen or red gums, and gums that bleed easily when brushing. If you have signs of gum disease, see the dentist at our office in Murrysville to have your dental implants checked. Periodontal therapy could help restore gum health and preserve your dental implants.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Taking care of your dental implants will help them remain strong and stable so they can securely hold any replacement teeth in place. The best way to care for your dental implants is to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine, which is no different from caring for your natural teeth. Be sure to brush twice each day using a toothpaste containing fluoride. It is also beneficial to thoroughly floss between and around teeth every evening, including the prosthetic teeth that are supported by dental implants.

Caring for your dental implants also includes caring for the replacement teeth they support, such as dental crowns, bridgework, or dentures. These teeth are more vulnerable to damage than the metal implant. Some ways to avoid damaging prosthetic teeth include:

• Avoid eating hard or sticky foods
• Refrain from chewing on ice cubes
• Stop biting fingernails or chewing on pen caps, and similar habits
• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
• Wear a nightguard if you tend to grind your teeth

If your dental implants have sustained damage, steps can be taken to restore them. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hollenbeck to discuss the restoration of your dental implants by calling our office in Murrysville, PA at (724) 327-3080.