Looking after your implants and teeth

Implants need to be placed in as sterile an environment as possible. The mouth is a very “nice” place for bacteria to live, there is lots of shelter, it’s warm, wet and there is a constant supply of food!

Research has shown that over 300 types of species of bacteria live in the normal mouth! In the diseased mouth this can easily reach 340+.

Before placing implants it is important to not only reduce the number of bacteria but also the type. Some bacteria are completely harmless or even helpful but some even in small numbers can be very harmful. Those bacteria found in moderate /advanced periodontal disease are particularly dangerous- these bacteria often move on their own (motile), don’t need oxygen (anaerobic) so can live in deep places and some of these produce all sorts of poisons (toxins).

So not only for the immediate and long term success of the implants we need to ensure these bugs have been removed. But it’s not only for successful implants!

These bacteria also need to be removed for the long term success of the remaining teeth. Gum disease and its relationship with how long we keep our teeth is well documented in the general dental press.

Research has shown that when we start with a healthy mouth the success of the implants is greatly improved. The improved general health from removing all the infection around the gums/teeth is just an added bonus.

To help with keeping your mouth clean we strongly recommend seeing a dental hygienist to keep your mouth clean. Gum disease is not always easy to spot yourself and a hygienist will be able to see the early warning signs.

One of the biggest areas that many people miss is 'bio film' this is a layer that is often covering your teeth, it is the layer that facilitates the growth of plaque, which can lead to tooth decay, so it is very important to keep the levels of bio-film down - this is what a dental hygienist will do.

Dental Implants, some questions answered

What is a dental implant?

The dental implant serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. It is machined from surgical-grade titanium alloy (Ti 6Al-4V) to exacting specifications. A dentist places the implant

into either the upper or lower jawbone. After a period of time, the implant integrates with the bone and becomes a secure anchor for a replacement crown, a fixed bridge, a removable partial, or a complete denture

This patient came to us with NO teeth, you may or may not be the same and we can help either way with missing teeth.

Are you a candidate for a dental implant?

If you are missing one or more teeth due to trauma, tooth decay or gum disease, then you

may be a candidate for a dental implant. Your dentist will be able to discuss your individual clinical situation. Dental implants will allow you to smile, speak, and eat with confidence and comfort.

For surgery you will need to be of good health and the remainder of you teeth will need to be healthy and free from tooth decay or gum disease. Other conditions will need to be treated before surgery.

Also, there needs to be enough bone on the jaw for implant surgery, so we will need to check for bone density using a CT scan. There are bone grafting techniques available for borderline patients.

Why you should have a dental implant?

Losing one or more of your teeth starts a chain of events that can have physical and cosmetic consequences. The most obvious result is a gap in your smile. Less obvious is the loss of chewing function and the inability to eat a complete diet that can result from tooth loss. While these are certainly serious issues, a potentially bigger problem lies hidden beneath the surface: bone loss.

Your jawbone needs the chewing action of the teeth to stimulate it and keep it strong. Otherwise it will begin to disappear (atrophy) in the same manner that the unused muscles beneath a cast supporting a broken bone get smaller. Without the support of your teeth and facial bones, your face will begin to look prematurely aged.

The good news is that tooth replacement with dental implants offers a solution to help prevent bone loss.

If you have one or more teeth missing, then you should consider dental implants - please give us a call on 020 8644 1446 or visit our dental implants website today