Leading Restorative Dentist Offers Advice for Implant Patients

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Dental implants offer people who have lost teeth with a stable, lifelike replacement, but dentists are concerned that some patients are unaware of how to look after their implants and this is contributing to preventable problems.

Dr Aws Alani, a consultant in restorative dentistry at King’s College Hospital, said that implants are still relatively new and some people are not aware that they need to take steps to look after their implants once they have been placed. Implants should be cared for in the same way as natural, healthy teeth and failing to do this can result in deteriorating oral health.

Dr Alani claims that he is seeing a growing number of implant patients with peri-implantitis, an infection associated with bacteria that causes inflammation in the gums. In severe cases, it can even result in bone loss in the jaw bone, which affects the stability of the implant and threatens the success of treatment.

Dr Alani fears that there is a belief among some patients that implants are “indestructible”, but this simple isn’t the case and his advice for patients is to ask their dentist about the best ways to look after their implants and boost their oral health. The key factors, according to Dr Alani’s article in the British Dental Journal, are giving up smoking, seeing a dentist on a regular basis and maintaining a good oral hygiene regime.

Kwok Law is just one of thousands of people who are enjoying the benefits of innovative implant treatment. After falling off his skateboard and smashing three teeth, Kwok thought he would be forced to wear dentures for the rest of his life and was delighted when he was fitted with dental implants to restore his smile and confidence. Like in many cases, implants have enabled Kwok to carry on with life as normal and he is hugely grateful for the care he received following his accident. Dr Alani writes that implants have a very high success rate, often well over 90 percent, and they can achieve miraculous transformations. However, it is essential for patients to be provided with the relevant information to ensure continued success of the treatment.

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