Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.
The dental implant services provided by your dentist aren't limited to the surgery that placed the implant in your jaw. Your dentist can help you to avoid any future issues that will prevent the implant from looking and behaving like a natural tooth. One such issue is gum recession, which can lead to an implant no longer looking realistic.
A Natural-Looking Prosthetic
The implant (a small titanium screw) was placed in your jawbone. This becomes an artificial tooth root. A false porcelain tooth (an exact replica of the natural tooth it replaced) was attached to the implant. The traumatized gum tissues then healed around the base of the false tooth. The end result is a natural-looking prosthetic that matches a real tooth in physical form and function—unless your gums recede.
Recession of Gum Tissues
Gum recession is typically caused by gum disease and other periodontal conditions. Overenthusiastic brushing and flossing can also play a role. If gingival tissues at the base of a dental implant's false tooth begin to recede, the implant can be seen. The implant's titanium abutment (which connects it to the false tooth) will become more and more visible as the recession progresses.
A Visible Abutment
Although damaged gum tissues can heal, they can't regrow after recession. If your gum recession progresses to the point that the implant's abutment is visible, chances are that you'll need a gum graft. This involves a small piece of gum tissue (taken from elsewhere in your mouth) being sutured onto the site. This conceals the implant and protects it from bacterial contamination—which could ultimately lead to implant failure. This is a worst-case scenario, and it's more likely that gum recession will be caught before it can actually expose your implant.
Halting Recession
Gum recession is most likely to be noted by your dentist during a regular checkup. This is another reason why those scheduled biannual appointments are so crucial and shouldn't be skipped. Gum recession can be halted, if not reversed. Your dentist will advise you on the best way to stop further recession.
Dental Cleaning
Oral bacteria that has formed into the destructive biofilm commonly known as dental plaque must be managed. This can lead to gingivitis, which in turn can lead to more serious gum infections—and of course, gum recession. Professional dental cleaning helps prevent gingivitis, and even though it can't decay, your dentist will still clean your implant's false tooth to remove harmful bacteria.
Keeping your gums healthy is essential for the well-being and longevity of your implant. Be sure to keep your oral hygiene to the highest possible standard, and never skip a dental checkup.
Contact your dentist to learn more about dental implant services.
Share6 January 2023
