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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 Talk to Us if Some of Your Medications Lead to Dry Mouth - We Can Help

Talk to Us if Some of Your Medications Lead to Dry Mouth - We Can Help


Posted on 9/6/2021 by Periodontal Associates
Talk to Us if Some of Your Medications Lead to Dry Mouth - We Can HelpDry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition that is caused by decreased levels of saliva in the mouth. These decreased levels are due to a problem in the salivary glands. However, many people are not aware of the functions of saliva in the mouth. This lack of knowledge leads to them playing down dry mouth as a health risk.

Why is Saliva Important?


Saliva is a crucial part of your digestive system. It helps lubricate your food, making it easier to roll it into bolus for swallowing. It also lubricates the throat, creating a slippery slope for the food to pass easily down your throat. Saliva also helps clean your mouth by washing down food particles that are not reachable by your toothbrush. By rinsing your mouth, the saliva also carries away harmful bacteria from your teeth. Therefore, this rinsing action helps you to avoid tooth and gum disease. By washing away bacteria, saliva essentially helps you to keep your breath fresh. It also helps you regulate your speech by keeping the mouth wet. Saliva also helps you to taste and enjoy food. Reduced saliva levels make it harder to chew and swallow food. This difficulty leads to low appetite in most dry mouth patients.

Dry Mouth Causes


Most cases of dry mouth come as a side effect of certain medicines. Some non-prescription drugs and prescription drugs, such as high blood pressure medication, have also been known to cause dry mouth. Cancer radiation therapy is also a culprit in this category. This is because chemotherapy might sometimes cause saliva to get thicker, leading patients to experience a dry mouth.

Treatment of Dry Mouth


A dry mouth can quickly grow from a minor inconvenience to a full-blown health risk. When treating dry mouth, we consider your history to see what caused it. The result will determine the course of treatment. We recommend you book an appointment at our offices as opposed to trying to solve the problem yourself. Contact us for more information regarding which medications lead to dry mouth.
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 : 11/5/2024 : Key Phrases: dental implants Beaverton OR :