4 Family Dentist Tips To Prevent Peri-Implantitis

Tooth implants restore your natural smile, offer a lasting solution, and improve the confidence of most patients. These benefits explain their popularity among people looking for tooth replacement treatments. Like any other invasive procedure, implant placement might expose you to infections, sometimes known as peri-implantitis. The peri-implant disease causes inflammation around the gums, reducing the procedure's success rates. So, what can you do to curb the risk? The following are some family dentist tips to help you prevent infections after surgery.

1. Practice Dental Hygiene 

Following dental implant surgery, your family dentist will instruct you to observe oral hygiene. The routine may include brushing, using mouthwash, and flossing. These two practices prevent the build-up of bacteria around your mouth, keeping the infections at bay. If you have difficulty brushing due to discomfort, consider switching to soft-bristled brushes and swilling your mouth with warm, salty water. This may help you combat potential risks of infections.

2. Visit Your Family Dentist Regularly

Implant placement isn't a one-time procedure. You'll need to visit the dental clinic several times to complete the procedure. However, even after completing the treatment, specialists recommend keeping up with check-ups regularly.

The family dentist will clean your teeth professionally during check-ups to eliminate tartar and plaque build-up. They will inspect your teeth for potential peri-implant mucositis and recommend treatments or preventative measures. These visits help prevent infections that could affect your implants and overall dental health.

3. Stop Smoking

If you've been looking for reasons to quit smoking, getting an implant should discourage you from the habit. Before the surgery, the family dentist might have told you to quit smoking as it slows down healing. They might have also told you that smoking alters your immune system's functions. This makes your body less effective in fighting harmful bacteria. Smoking when you have implants increases the risks of peri-implantitis, which can greatly reduce its success rates.

4. Eat Healthy Foods

Avoid unhealthy foods that contain high levels of sugar. Bacteria thrive where there is high sugar content. Besides increasing the risks of tooth decay, the excess bacteria build-up in your mouth may cause peri-implantitis. Your family dentist might recommend taking healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, and proteins that benefit your dental health and body in general. Furthermore, healthy foods boost your immune system to fight off bacterial activity.

Dental implants can last a long time if well maintained. You can prevent infections by following these simple tips to ensure dental implants don't fail. If you need to learn more, always consult your family dental practitioner.

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