Dental implants

An introduction to dental implants, what they are, why they are needed and how to take care of your oral health with dental implants.

What are they?

A dental implant is a titanium fixation in the form of a screw that is inserted into the bone of the jaws to act as a root of the dentures (artificial teeth) and thus replace lost or non-restorable teeth. It is made with materials that integrate naturally in our body, therefore if a good oral hygiene is maintained and there are no complications, they can last throughout our lives in our mouths.

When are they necessary?

Implants are necessary after the loss of a tooth. There are multiple reasons that can cause the extraction of a tooth, however the accumulation of biofilm due to poor oral hygiene is the main factor. This can be due to caries, periodontitis, fissures or fractures and trauma. An early diagnosis by the dentist and good oral hygiene are key to avoiding tooth loss.

• Cavities – are bacterial plaque derived from poor oral hygiene. Sugars in the diet produce acids that attack the enamel of the teeth and can even reach the nerve if it is not treated in time.
• Periodontitis – is an infection that causes the inflammation and destruction of the support tissues of the teeth which eventually causes tooth loss.
• Fissures or fractures – problems such as bruxism (involuntary grinding of the teeth) wear out and can crack or fracture the tooth.
• Trauma – a blow can damage the inside of the tooth, change the colour, fracture them or directly produce their detachment.

How to take care of your oral health to prevent tooth loss?

Brush your teeth with a good quality toothbrush, a toothpaste adapted to the characteristics and needs of your mouth, a mouthwash and use interproximal cleaning tools (interdental brushes, oral irrigators, silks and dental tapes). All of which will effectively remove bacterial plaque, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

What oral care should you follow with dental implants?

Similar to natural teeth, the accumulation of biofilm (plaque) can cause inflammatory diseases around the implant. These diseases can lead to the loss of the implant therefore it is necessary to maintain a good oral hygiene.

The VITIS implant range is specifically designed to eliminate the biofilm from around the implants with maximum precision whilst simultaneously accessing difficult to reach areas of the mouth, particularly between the implant and the crown.