Many patients believe that once implanted in the bone, a dental implant does not differ from a true tooth. Dentists expect problems with their patient’s implant placement, if any at all, when the patient practices poor oral hygiene, is a heavy smoker or if they have existing periodontitis (bacterial inflammation of the gums). Oral Surgery in Chanhassen MN does have its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to know both before treatment is carried out.
Peri-implantitis – when the bone disappears
A dental implant is, and remains, the best solution to missing teeth. Even if the implant has grown together with the jawbone correctly, the implant is still a foreign body. This means that the implant can react differently to each person.
In the worst case, the patient usually does not notice there is some degradation of the bone around the implant. In many cases, this process, known as peri-implantitis, is discovered with the help of an X-ray or clinical examination long after the artificial tooth root is inserted.
Complications not only due to bacterial infections
For many years, the prevailing opinion was that primary bacterial infections were responsible for peri-implantitis. These infections are caused by bacterial deposits (biofilms), which are deposited on the implant surfaces. However, the latest findings of experts point to other, sometimes seemingly predictable, yet complicated causes.
Peri-implantitis apparently arises through the interaction of very different factors. In addition to the individual immune situation of the patient, local conditions such as sufficient bone and healthy gums, and the quality of the implantation itself, must be considered. This is why an Oral Surgery in Chanhassen MN consult is needed before treatment begins.
Medical experience is one factor to never ignore
The long-term success of dental implantology is mainly dependent on the experience and skill of the dentist. A surgical and prosthetic misjudgment of the situation before and during treatment can significantly affect the healing of the implant and, thus, the overall health of the patient. This can lead to early loss of the implant as well as, after healing, some long-term bone loss of the implant. Contact Chanhassen Family Dentistry for more details.
