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A diagram of dental implant at Periodontal Associates. Dental implants are a highly effective solution for lost teeth. Crowns mimic natural teeth in their form and function and titanium posts bond with and stimulate your jaw bone, allowing the Dental Implants to act just like a natural tooth would.

Unfortunately, implants can occasionally fail, and if this happens we will need you to come in so we can repair or replace them.

The Structure of an Implant


Most dental implants are made of a titanium post that is embedded in the jaw bone, a ceramic crown that acts as a replacement tooth and an abutment that connects the post and the crown. If one of these parts loosens or breaks, all three can become compromised.

Titanium is usually chosen for implants because it bonds with the jaw bone in a process known as osseointegration. If this process doesn't occur properly then you'll end up with an implant that isn't firmly in place. This will lead to problems later on.

Signs that an Implant May Fail


If the bone doesn't grow around the implant in the right way, mobility is often the primary signal that the implant may fail. This mobility is often very slight at first and usually only a dentist can see it, but as time goes on an implant that hasn't integrated properly can shift when you chew or speak. Implants that have failed completely with frequently.

Other warnings signs of impending failure include pain, inflammation, and infection, but these do not always occur. If Dr. Eshraghi notices that your implant is moving, he may conduct an x-ray to make sure the bone is growing. If the implant is failing, the x-ray may reveal considerable bone loss around the metal area.

Repair and Replacement


In cases where the implant crown becomes cracked or detached, it is an easy matter for us to attach a new, or make any other repairs if necessary. However, if the damage to the implant is too severe, we will need to remove and replace it.

It is easy for us to remove a failed dental implant, but we will need to use a local anesthetic for this procedure. Once the implant is removed Dr. Eshraghi will carefully clean the area. Then we can begin the process of inserting a new implant, making careful note of what went wrong the first time. If there is enough healthy bone in the same area, we won't need a bone graft.

However, in cases of significant bone loss, we may need to place a bone graft to improve the site of the removed implant before placing a new one. Once the bone graft is complete, your mouth may need several months to heal before we can put in a new implant. During the healing period, Dr. Eshraghi may ask you to quit smoking, postpone cancer treatment or make other lifestyle adjustments that will reduce the risk of the next implant failing as well.

Always remember to take good care of your implants by brushing and flossing daily. Also take care to eat a balanced diet and abstain from using your teeth as tools, as this can chip them. If you experience any problems with your Dental Implants, contact us right away.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please give us a call at (971) 317-8414.
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Home Can You Really Track Gum Disease Treatment with Your Smartphone?

Can You Really Track Gum Disease Treatment with Your Smartphone?


Posted on 12/20/2019 by Periodontal Associates
Can You Really Track Gum Disease Treatment with Your Smartphone?Smartphones can do so many things today. While most people use these devices to share videos, chat with others, make grocery lists, and play games, their health applications aren't as well known.

For example, few people know that their smartphones can be used to track how their gum disease is being treated.

Using Sensors to Detect Gum Disease


One new company based in the UK has developed a system that uses biosensors to detect different diseases and share this information with patients on their phone. This device is easy to use, too, and actually incorporates something once only found in science-fiction: nanotechnology. This incredible microscopic technology allows a device to detect specific protein biomarkers, including C-reactive protein. This protein is connected to inflammation, a major sign of gum disease.

As a patient, all you have to do is take a small sample of saliva, blood, or urine and place it on one of the biosensors. Theses sensors, which are disposable, determine the level of C-reactive proteins and transmits it to the app on your phone. If it shows your C-reactive proteins are very high, it's a sign that your gum disease may be out of control and that your current method of treatment is not working.

A Form of Early Detection


While this technology isn't exactly available everywhere just yet, it is certainly a step forward in early detection. For example, if we believe a patient may develop gum disease, we can prescribe these sensors for them to use at home in a manner similar to diabetic testing strips. If they do a saliva test every few days and the app shows that their C-reactive proteins are increasing, they can come back to see us for a cleaning. On the other hand, if those proteins decrease, it shows that their routine of brushing and flossing is working well.

Until these sensors become common, though, you'll need to come see us if you're concerned about gum disease. Give us a call today to set up an appointment.
Periodontal Associates in Beaverton, OR

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Dental Implants Beaverton & Tualatin • About Us
Periodontal Associates are World-class Board-certified Periodontists in the Portland Area & welcome the opportunity to help when dental needs arise. (971) 317-8414
Periodontal Associates, 17895 NW Evergreen Pkwy #150 Beaverton, OR 97006 • (971) 317-8414 • portlandimplantdentistry.com • 11/30/2024 • Page Phrases: dental implants Beaverton OR •