Help Ensure Successful Dental Implants

Dental implants are now a very common treatment option to replace missing teeth among adults. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million people have implants, which is growing by 500,000 yearly.

This restorative dentistry treatment can also help stabilize a denture to make it more comfortable and functional. However, to have a beautiful smile and take advantage of dental implant benefits, you must be sure to take good care of them.

Ensuring their longevity with specific techniques and efforts to keep them clean and free of destructive bacteria and plaque can cause infection in the tissues surrounding the implant and lead to implant failure. 

Can implant infections be prevented?

Antibiotics have been recommended as a prolonged treatment for several days or as a single dose of antibiotic prophylaxis since the development of the osseointegration technique for dental implants in the 1970s.

Today, dental professionals are often faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics for complex oral surgeries such as dental implants. Antibiotics are used to prevent implant infections. The chances of implant failure are high if a dental implant becomes infected.

Although many factors can lead to dental implant failure, most dentists take extra precautions regarding infection. Although these decisions are usually made on a case-by-case basis, if antibiotics are prescribed inappropriately, further difficulty in treating complications and future conditions would result. 

Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis for dental implants 

Dentists performing dental implant surgery frequently prescribe systemic antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent premature implant failure and postoperative infections.

It is estimated that for every 24-55 implanted patients (mean of 33 patients) undergoing dental implant placement who receive antibiotic prophylaxis before surgery, one implant failure is prevented. 

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have suggested that a prophylactic loading dose of antibiotics may reduce implant failure rates in healthy adults.

What antibiotics are used? 

The use of antibiotics in implant dentistry is controversial. While it is possible to establish standard preoperative guidelines regarding antibiotics, postoperative ones should be based on the procedure's results during and after the operation.

Amoxicillin and Penicillins are generally prescribed due to their superior absorption rate and prolonged serum levels; however, there are increased penicillin allergy levels in the current population. In these cases, clindamycin is used as an alternative with excellent results.

Dental implant aftercare

The longevity of your dental implant will depend on many factors, ranging from your lifestyle choices to your long-term commitment to oral hygiene.

Home care plays a vital role in the success of your restoration. Here's how to provide the best care at home.

Maintain good oral hygiene

Dental implants require similar care as natural teeth; they should be cleaned and plaque-free twice daily using a small, soft toothbrush, a non-abrasive tartar-control toothpaste. And floss for cleaning around the abutments to prevent gum disease.

Routine care  

Cleaning is crucial after meals. You can help neutralize and remove food particles trapped in the mouth by often rinsing with antimicrobial mouth rinses or water to reduce the chance of dental implant infection. This also keeps the mouth moist to discourage bacterial growth.

Limit sugary foods and drinks

Sugar not only causes cavities, but it also encourages bacterial growth and harms your overall health. To preserve your dental implants, it is best to limit the consumption of sugary foods and drinks excess. 

Do not smoke or use tobacco

Smoking increases the risk of implant failure because it hinders the body's ability to heal and fight implant infection. Although it is best to quit completely, if you can't kick the habit, wait at least two months after your implant surgery to start smoking.

Don't forget your gums

Good gum and oral hygiene is paramount because if you don't, the gums surrounding the implants can develop a buildup of bacteria and, worse, implant infection. Be sure to clean between your teeth, your cheeks, tongue, and your entire mouth.

Visit your dentist at least twice a year

Although your dental implants aren't subject to tooth decay, you still need to see your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. This allows Dr. Moreira at Litchfield Smiles to monitor your oral health to quickly intervene at the first sign of implant infection, like swelling or redness of the gum tissue.

Who opts for this restorative dentistry treatment?

In general, dental implants may be right for you if:

• You are missing one or more teeth
• You have a jawbone that has reached total growth.
• You have adequate bone to secure implants, or you may have a bone graft.
• You have healthy oral tissues
• Have no health problems that affect bone healing
• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
• Want to improve your speech
• Are you willing to devote several months to the process
• Do not smoke tobacco

The perfect restorative dentistry treatment for you in Litchfield Park, AZ

Your new smile can last for decades with proper care. But sometimes, even with the best care, a problem can arise. Take your time, and the situation to worsen. Contact us at the first sign of a problem or pain to save your smile.

Dr. Moreira and his team provide state-of-the-art care to treat complex needs like tooth loss. We can replace your missing teeth if you are interested in restorative dentistry treatments such as dental implants at Litchfield Smiles. 

Visit our website or call us at (623) 935-5055 if you have any questions or concerns about dental implants. And if you haven't had a checkup or professional cleaning in the last six months, contact our office today to schedule your consultation for a complete smile.