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Once treatment is complete it will be necessary to monitor
the implants using x-rays and checking them in the mouth.
After an initial period you will be required to attend surgery
at intervals that we will specify, either every six months
or once a year. You will need to maintain a high standard
of hygiene around the implants. You may need to see the hygienist
every three to six months.
Implants like teeth, are completely dependent on the host,
and therefore the general health of the patient.
Early in the treatment implants or bone grafts can get infections
around them. It is for this reason that every effort is made
to prevent such an infection by using a very high degree of
asepsis. In addition to this antibiotics are often used during
the initial healing phase.
In as much as teeth can get gum disease around them so can
implants. It is therefore important to monitor them to ensure
that any sign of disease can be caught early and stopped.
A high degree of hygiene is therefore important to maintain.
Implants as well as the crowns that are supported by the implants
are subjected to everyday forces. If the forces are excessive
damage can occur to either the crowns or any of the components
of the implant.
Other problems that may occur relate to gum recession around
implants. This may result in the implant becoming visible.
In itself this is not a problem in terms of health. In fact
it becomes easier to clean. However the appearance may be
compromised in which case additional treatment such as gum
surgery may need to be carried out. Alternatively a gum slip
may need to be constructed.
Implants in general practice have become a highly predictable
science they are the treatment of choice for patients with
one missing tooth or more.
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