Little Heard-of Disease, Peri-Implantitis, on the Rise in Arizona
Sun City, AZ, August 24, 2015 (Newswire.com) - One thing patients do not expect when replacing one or more teeth with implants is to ever have problems with those teeth again. But, according to dental implant surgeons in Arizona, many patients with implant teeth could be at risk of developing a condition known as peri-implantitis, which is a bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding the implant.
“Many patients think that having artificial implant-supported teeth precludes them from needing to brush and floss regularly, or to continue seeing their dentist and oral hygienist,” says Dr. Kevin Gasser, an experienced dental implant dentist in Sun City, AZ.
“But, nothing could be further from the truth! Just because the materials from which implants and the dental appliances they support cannot decay, doesn’t mean you can relax on the oral hygiene front. It’s this lack of at-home and professional health maintenance that we believe is leading to an increase in peri-implantitis in dental implant patients in Arizona.”
The Importance of Post-Operative Maintenance and Hygiene
There’s no argument about it: undergoing dental implant surgery to replace diseased and irreparable teeth constitutes a considerable investment and one that is supposed to last you several decades. But what few Arizona residents realize about this technology – especially those who travel abroad to have their teeth done – is that without proper maintenance, your investment could end up coming to nothing!
“We put every one of our patients on a strict post-operative maintenance program that includes instructions on how to care for their new implant tooth or teeth, as well as regular scheduled check-ups, X-rays and cleanings,” says Dr. Gasser. “This program will ensure the long-term health of the implants and the rest of a patient’s natural teeth, thereby enabling them to enjoy the full function, aesthetics and comfort of this wonderful technology.
“However, many Arizona residents who have their implants done overseas – because it may be cheaper there – fail to receive this same program. So, they return home with new teeth they don’t really know how to care for and they often stay away from the dentist for years, thinking that all of their oral problems have been taken care of.”
What is Peri-Implantitis?
The inflammatory disease on the rise in Arizona residents with dental implants is called peri-implantitis and, as it was explained, is essentially a bacterial infection of the bone and tissues surrounding the dental implant. This infection is known to cause a recession of the bone around the implant as the bacteria’s acidic wastes literally eat into this hard tissue.
The loss of this bone means a loss of support for the implant and since there’s nothing that can really be done to address the condition without removing the implant, patients are typically looking at having their implant treatment undone. This can be terribly disheartening and disappointing.
Peri-Implantitis Prevention
Only 10 years ago, peri-implantitis was virtually unheard of. It’s only recently that even Arizona’s leading dental implant surgeons have become aware of it and the damage it can do to patient’s new teeth. Thankfully, there are many things patients can do to prevent themselves from succumbing to this disease, as well as early signs and symptoms to look out for.
“Just as full-blown gum disease tends to be preceded by milder and wholly treatable gingivitis, so too is peri-implantitis preceded by a common condition called peri-implant mucositis,” explains Sun City dentist and implant surgeon, Dr. Gasser. “This condition presents with symptoms that are quite easy to spot, so it’s key for dental implant patients to learn what to look out for and to receive prompt professional treatment should they ever notice these symptoms.”
• Gum inflammation surrounding the implant site
• A swelling of the gum tissue
• Gums that bleed when brushed or flossed
In addition to routine and regular dental check-ups and visits to the hygienist, a crucial component of keeping your teeth healthy after dental implant treatment is a fastidious at-home oral hygiene routine.
“Often times, it’s a lack of good dental hygiene that results in tooth loss in the first place, so we always make sure that patients understand how important a change of habit is moving forward,” explains Dr. Kevin Gasser. “Better oral hygiene, more frequent dental visits, no smoking and a healthy diet are crucial in the long-term success of dental implants. And if you keep your new teeth healthy, they can serve you beautifully for a lifetime.”
In Conclusion
It’s important to remember that while the risk of peri-implantitis may seem like a drawback to getting dental implants, this condition can be easily prevented as described above. Additionally, the other more conventional dental technologies available for the replacement of missing teeth simply do not measure up to the sophisticated functionality, aesthetics, longevity and comfort offered by dental implant treatment.
The best option of all, of course, is to just keep your natural teeth in good condition to avoid ever having to visit an Arizona dental implant surgeon!
About Sun City Dentist, Dr. Kevin Gasser
Dr. Kevin Gasser is an experienced dental implant surgeon, who serves several communities in Arizona. He has been in private practice as a general, cosmetic and dental implant dentist for more than 25 years now and is regarded by patients and peers alike as a leader in the field of restorative dentistry. Dr. Gasser offers patients all possible dental services under the roof of a single practice and is skilled in the latest, most cutting-edge dental implant procedures, such as the “All-on-4” for full mouth reconstruction.
Contact Dr. Kevin Gasser at Gasser Dental
The Gasser Dental Implant Center is located in Sun City, Arizona, inside Bell Plaza.
Kevin L. Gasser, D.D.S.
17220 North Boswell Blvd Suite 200w,
Sun City, AZ 85353
Phone: (623) 972-8217
Fax: (623) 972-1406
http://www.drgasser.com/