Obtaining a new smile after tooth loss has occurred can be exciting. Dental implants are a common way for patients to restore the smile with a permanent tooth replacement option. Dr. Chong Lee and his team at Galleria Dental Aesthetics of McLean, VA work regularly with patients who are interested in placing implants to restore the smile. But did you know that the smile is still at risk even with dental implants? This is especially important for patients who are using several implants along the dental arch to secure a full denture. Learn more about how to care for your implants to avoid failure due to periodontal disease.
What is periodontal disease?
Also referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease is an infection that can significantly damage the smile. Not only can it cause the recession of the gum tissue, but it can result in the loss of bone and teeth. Periodontal disease is completely preventable with proper care of the smile, and continues to be a serious issue for many patients who are not participating in proper oral health habits. If periodontal disease is left undetected and untreated, it can result in the loss of teeth, or, in the case of patient who have dental implants, the loss of implants and denture placement.
How can I protect my implants from periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is completely preventable with proper oral health care habits. To keep this infection from developing, patients need to:
- Brush after every meal
- Floss at least once a day
- Call their dentist when problems arise
- Visit the dentist at least every six months for a cleaning and evaluation
- Eat a healthy diet
- Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
Protect your investment with the help of Galleria Dental Aesthetics
If you are interested in learning more about protecting the placement of dental implants to keep your smile functioning and beautiful, now is a great time to talk to Dr. Chong Lee and his team about dental implant care and protection. Call the office at (703) 448-1020 to request a visit at the office, conveniently located at 1600 Tysons Boulevard, Suite #120.