Are You Afraid to Go to the Dentist?

About Me

Are You Afraid to Go to the Dentist?

Welcome to my website. My name’s Linda, and I’m going to share about my phobia for dental procedures. I didn’t fear the dentist when I was a child. My parents started taking me to the dentist when I was a toddler. I visited the dentist diligently until about ten years ago. I was in my early forties when my dental work became more than fillings. I had to have two root canals, and while the procedures went smoothly, I panicked. There was something about being in the chair and having my mouth open for that long that sent me into a panic attack. Since then, I have struggled with going to the dentist. Until recently that is. I found a wonderful dentist who uses mild sedation and is extremely gentle and understanding. I’m excited to share more about this in the hope that my story will help you.

 

Do You Have Peri-Implantitis?

26 April 2017
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Share

You are likely aware that gum disease can have an impact on your natural teeth. What you might not realize is that gum disease could prove damaging to dental implants. You could potentially develop peri-implantitis. If you have dental implants, here is what you need to know about peri-implantitis.  

What Happens During Peri-Implantitis? 

Peri-implantitis is basically inflammation that occurs after dental implant surgery. The inflammation is usually the result of infected gums. In addition to experiencing swelling at the onset of the condition, you can also experience bleeding and the formation of pus.  

If left untreated, the peri-implantitis could lead to a failure of the dental implants. You could also have some bone loss, which could have an impact on whether or not your doctor can attempt to reimplant any damaged implants.  

Fortunately, peri-implantitis is highly treatable in its earliest stages. The treatment usually depends largely on the cause of the condition. For instance, if it is due to an infection, your dentist will likely treat the condition with antibiotics.  

Sometimes, other issues can cause peri-implantitis. For instance, when excess dental cement remains after a procedure, it can cause the condition. In this instance, removing the excess cement and cleaning the teeth and gums might be enough to treat the condition. 

Is It Preventable? 

Peri-implantitis is preventable with the help of your dentist. You can help to stop the development of the condition by keeping all of your appointments with your dentist. He or she will monitor the health of your natural teeth, gums, and implants. If there are issues, your dentist should be able to detect them early enough to effectively treat them.  

If you are a smoker, now is the time to stop. Smoking can have a serious impact on your oral health. When you smoke, your blood vessels start to constrict. The limited blood flow can inhibit the circulation that is needed for your gums to recover following the implant surgery. It can also lead to bone loss, which is a path to peri-implantitis.  

As with other dental conditions, the most important thing you can do is to maintain good dental hygiene. You should continue to brush and floss your implants as directed by your dentist. If you experience any problems with your natural teeth, gums, or implants, alert your dentist as soon as possible.  

Peri-implantitis could have serious consequences, but luckily, taking care of your teeth and gums can help you avoid this condition. For additional information, contact a dental clinic like New England Dental Specialists of Norwood.