Finding a Local Dentist: What to Look for and How to Choose

Taking care of our teeth is important for our overall health. A good dentist can help us avoid and fix dental problems, teach us how to take care of our teeth and gums, and give us regular checkups to keep our teeth and gums healthy. Finding a dentist in your area can be difficult, especially if you are new to the area. In this blog post, we’ll talk about what to look for in a local dentist and answer some of the most common questions people have about dental care.

What to Consider When Choosing a Local Dentist

Choosing a local dentist requires careful consideration. Here are some things to think about when looking for a dentist near you:

Location and Convenience

It’s easier and more convenient to see a dentist who is close to your home or place of work. Look for a dentist in your area who isn’t too far from your home or place of work and has appointment times that work with your schedule.

Experience and Qualifications

Check the dentist’s credentials to make sure they are licensed and qualified to do dentistry in your state. You can also read reviews and testimonials from past patients to find out about their experience. Your needs are more likely to be met by a dentist who has a history of giving good dental care.

Services and Specialties

Find out what kinds of dental services are available from your local dentist. Some dentists focus on one area, like cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, or children’s dentistry. Think about what you and your family need from a dentist, and choose one who can meet those needs.

Comfort and Communication

A good relationship between a dentist and a patient is built on trust and talking to each other. Find a dentist near you that you can talk to easily and who will listen to your worries. You should also be able to talk to your dentist about your dental health and treatment options and get clear answers.

West Cobb Dentistry in Kennesaw is here for you!

Finding a dentist in your area is an important step in taking care of your teeth. By thinking about things like location and how easy it is to get to, experience and qualifications, services and specialties, comfort, and how well you can talk to the dentist, you can find one who can give you what you need.

How do I find a local dentist near me?

You can use search engines like Google or Bing to look for dentists in your area. You can also use professional organizations or dental directories to find dentists in your area.

What should I look for when choosing a local dentist?

When looking for a local dentist, you should think about things like location and how easy it is to get to, experience and qualifications, services and specialties, comfort and how easy it is to talk to the dentist.

How do I know if a local dentist is reputable and trustworthy?

You can find out about a dentist’s credentials, experience, and reputation by reading reviews and testimonials from past patients. You can also look at the dentist’s license and qualifications to make sure they can work in your state.

How often should I visit the dentist?

The dentist should be seen at least twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. If you have problems with your teeth or gums, you may need to go more often. Your local dentist can give you recommendations that are tailored to your needs.

source https://westcobbdentistry.com/finding-a-local-dentist-what-to-look-for-and-how-to-choose/

The Great Debate: Fillings vs Crowns, Which One Should You Choose for Your Damaged Tooth?

A filling is a type of dental operation intended to restore a tooth that has been damaged by disease, injury, or wear. A filling is a method of restoring a tooth’s function, integrity, and form while also preventing additional deterioration.

Types of dental fillings

There are different types of fillings that can be used to restore a damaged tooth, the most common are:

• Amalgam fillings: These are made of a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, and tin. Amalgam fillings are durable and long-lasting, but they are also visible and not esthetically pleasing.
• Composite fillings: These are made of a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles and they can be matched to the color of the tooth. They are more esthetically pleasing than amalgam fillings, but they are not as durable.
• Gold fillings: These are made of gold alloy and are custom-made in a laboratory. They are durable and long-lasting but also visible and expensive.
• Ceramic and Porcelain fillings: These are custom-made in a laboratory to match the color of the tooth. They are highly esthetic and durable but also expensive and brittle.

Procedure For Getting A Filling

A tooth filling operation is usually completed in one session. First, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the region around the tooth to be filled. The dentist will then use a drill or air abrasion equipment to remove the decayed or damaged area of the tooth. The tooth will then be cleansed before the filling material is put in and molded to return it to its natural form and function. The filling is then solidified using a specific light or chemical process before being polished.

Advantages and disadvantages of fillings

Advantages: Fillings are a quick and easy technique to restore a damaged tooth; they are usually less expensive than other choices, such as a crown or bridge, and they keep more of the original tooth structure.

Disadvantages: Because fillings are not as durable as real teeth, they may need to be replaced or corrected over time. When smiling or laughing, certain fillings (amalgam) can also be unattractive and noticeable.

How long do fillings typically last?

The lifespan of a filling varies based on the type of filling, the location of the filling, and the patient’s biting and chewing habits. A composite filling will typically last 3-5 years, an amalgam filling 8-12 years, and a porcelain or ceramic filling 10-15 years or more. It is vital to remember, however, that frequent dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene are required to ensure the longevity of the fillings.

Crowns

A crown, commonly known as a “cap,” is a type of dental treatment that covers the visible area of a tooth above the gum line. Crowns are often used to reinforce a tooth severely damaged due to decay, injury, or wear and tear. They are also utilized to enhance the look of a discolored or malformed tooth.

Types of crowns

Different types of crowns can be used to restore a damaged or misshapen tooth. The most common types of crowns include:

• Porcelain or ceramic crowns: These are made of a tooth-colored material that is matched to the color of the patient’s natural teeth. They are highly esthetic and can be used for front teeth.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: These have a metal substructure covered with porcelain or ceramic material. They are durable and long-lasting, but the metal substructure may show at the gum line, especially if the gum recedes over time.
• Gold alloy crowns: These are made of gold alloy and other metals. They are durable and long-lasting but also visible and not esthetically pleasing.
• Base-metal alloy crowns: These are made of non-precious metals and are less expensive than other types of crowns. They are not as esthetically pleasing as other types of crowns and may cause allergic reactions in some patients.

Procedure for getting a crown

Getting a crown usually takes two appointments. The tooth is prepped for the crown at the first session by removing any decay and contouring the tooth to accept the crown. Impressions of the tooth and adjacent teeth are then taken and sent to a dental laboratory where the crown is created. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and put the permanent crown over the prepared tooth at the second session, ensuring that it fits correctly, that the bite is correct, and that the color matches the surrounding teeth. The dentist will cement the crown into place after making any necessary modifications.

Advantages and disadvantages of crowns

• Advantages: Crowns are a strong and durable way to restore a damaged or misshapen tooth, they can also improve the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth.
• Disadvantages: Crowns can be more expensive than other restorations, and the procedure requires two appointments. Also, the tooth needs to be filed down before the crown is placed, and this means that more of the natural tooth structure is removed.

How long do crowns typically last?

The longevity of a crown varies depending on the type of crown and the patient’s biting and chewing habits. A porcelain or ceramic crown typically lasts 10-15 years, although a gold or base-metal crown may last 20-30 years or more. It is vital to note, however, that frequent dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene are critical to the longevity of the crowns.

Dental Crowns vs Tooth Fillings

A filling is a standard dental operation used to restore teeth damaged by disease, fractures, or wear. Fillings are appropriate when the tooth has only minor damage, and the remaining tooth structure is healthy. They are also utilized for minor to medium-sized cavities. A crown, commonly known as a “cap,” is a dental treatment used to restore a broken or destroyed tooth’s strength, form, and look. Crowns are used when the damage to the tooth is significant, such as when there are extensive cavities, root canals, or damaged or cracked teeth. They are also used to enhance the look of teeth that are excessively stained or misshapen teeth.

Cost Comparison

Fillings and crowns cost different amounts based on the material used and the location of the dental clinic. Crowns are often more costly than fillings. Composite fillings, constructed of tooth-colored plastic and glass, can range from $50 to $300 per tooth. Amalgam fillings, formed of a metal combination, are less costly, ranging from $50 to $150 per tooth. On the other hand, crowns can range from $500 to $3,000 per tooth..

Durability

Depending on the type of filling material utilized, as well as the location and amount of the filling, fillings can last anywhere from several years to a decade. On the other hand, crowns are more durable and can last 10 to 15 years or more, depending on the type of crown material used and the patient’s oral hygiene.

Aesthetics

Fillings can be colored to match the tooth, making them less noticeable. However, they do not appear as natural as a crown. On the other hand, crowns can be customized to match the original tooth’s color, shape, and size. They can also be fashioned of a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, gold, and metal alloys, each of which has distinct aesthetic properties.

 

In summary, fillings are a better and more cost-effective alternative for minor tooth damage, but crowns are better suited for more severe damage and improving a tooth’s aesthetics. Fillings can endure for several years, whereas crowns are more durable and offer a superior cosmetic effect.

 

 

What is the difference between a filling and a crown?

Fillings are used to treat teeth damaged by decay, injury, or wear. They are a method of restoring the function, integrity, and contour of a tooth while also preventing additional harm. Crowns, on the other hand, are a type of dental restoration that completely covers the visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. They are commonly used to strengthen a tooth that has been extensively damaged by decay, injury, or wear and tear, or to improve the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth.

What are the different types of fillings?

Amalgam fillings, composite fillings, gold fillings, and ceramic or porcelain fillings are the most prevalent forms of fillings. Amalgam fillings, which are formed of a combination of metals like as mercury, silver, and tin, are sturdy and long-lasting, but they are also noticeable and unappealing. Composite fillings are constructed of a combination of plastic and small glass particles, and while they are more aesthetically beautiful than amalgam fillings, they are not as durable. Gold fillings are composed of gold alloy and are custom-manufactured in a laboratory; they are long-lasting and robust, but they are also noticeable and pricey. Ceramic and porcelain fillings are manufactured in a laboratory to match the color of the tooth; they are very esthetic and lasting, but they are also costly and fragile.

 

How can I maintain my fillings or crowns?

The most critical component in keeping your fillings or crowns in excellent condition is to practice good oral hygiene, which includes brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. It’s also critical to see your dentist on a regular basis for check-ups and cleanings. Avoiding practices such as tooth grinding (bruxism) and chewing hard meals will also help you live a longer life.

source https://westcobbdentistry.com/the-great-debate-fillings-vs-crowns-which-one-should-you-choose-for-your-damaged-tooth/

Discover the Surprising Benefits of Having a Single Dental Office for Your Entire Family

Taking care of your teeth as a family is important for your health and well-being as a whole. Checkups and cleanings at the dentist are important for preventing dental problems and catching them early if they do happen. But it can be hard to schedule dental appointments for everyone in the family, especially if you have to go to more than one dental office. This is why it’s helpful to have a single dental office for the whole family.

One of the best things about taking your whole family to the same dentist is that you save time. You don’t have to make separate appointments for each family member at different times. Instead, you can make appointments for everyone at the same time, which will save you time and effort by keeping you from having to make multiple trips. This can be especially helpful for families with busy schedules or people who live far from multiple dentist offices.

In addition to saving time, having your whole family go to the same dentist can save you money. Many dentist offices offer discounts for families, and if you only have to go to one office, you can save money on gas.

Having a single dental office for your whole family also makes it easier to talk to each other and make sure everyone is getting the care they need. At one place, it’s easier to keep track of and manage dental records for the whole family, and you can talk about treatment plans and options as a group. This can be especially helpful when different family members are at different stages of their orthodontic treatment.

Lastly, if you stick with the same dental office, you and your family can get more personalized care. The dental team will get to know your family’s dental history and needs, which will lead to more personalized care and treatment. This can also make trips to the dentist more comfortable for everyone, especially kids who might be scared of going.

In conclusion, having a single dental office for the whole family can make things easier, save time and money, and lead to better overall dental health. It’s something to think about if you’re tired of having to go to different places for different appointments.

 

Why is it important for my family to have a dental office that we visit regularly?

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental issues. By visiting the same dental office regularly, your family can establish a relationship with the dental team and receive personalized care. It’s also easier to track and manage dental records for the whole family at one location.

 

How do I choose the best dental office for my family?

When looking for the best dental office for your family, there are a few things to think about. You want to find a dentist office that is easy to get to and has appointments that work with your schedule, so location and appointment availability are important. You should also think about the services offered, because you want to make sure that the dental office can meet the needs of everyone in your family. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask friends, family, or your primary care doctor for suggestions.

 

Is it more expensive to have a single dental office for my family?

Having your whole family go to the same dentist doesn’t have to cost more. In fact, many dental offices offer discounts for families with more than one person who needs to go. You can also save money on transportation costs if you only have to go to one place. Overall, a single dental office can be a good investment if it offers convenience and personalized care.

 

source https://westcobbdentistry.com/discover-the-surprising-benefits-of-having-a-single-dental-office-for-your-entire-family/

Importance of Regular Dental Visits

Going to the dentist is an important part of maintaining good oral health. Regular dental check-ups can help to prevent problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss, and can also detect and treat issues in their early stages when they are more easily treatable.

One of the primary reasons why going to the dentist is important is to prevent tooth decay. Cavities, or holes in the teeth, are caused by bacteria that produce acid, which eats away at the enamel of the teeth. If left untreated, cavities can cause toothache, infection, and eventually, tooth loss. Regular cleanings and check-ups can help to remove plaque and tartar, which harbor these bacteria, and detect any cavities that may be forming so they can be treated before they become more serious.

Another reason why going to the dentist is important is to prevent gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss if not treated. It is caused by a build-up of plaque, which hardens into tartar and irritates the gums, leading to inflammation and eventually, infection. Regular cleanings and check-ups can help to remove plaque and tartar and detect gum disease in its early stages when it is more easily treated.

In addition to preventing tooth decay and gum disease, going to the dentist can also help to detect and treat other oral health issues in their early stages. For example, oral cancer is a serious condition that can be difficult to treat if not detected early. Dentists are trained to look for signs of oral cancer during check-ups and can refer patients for further testing if necessary.

Another reason why going to the dentist is important is to maintain good oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene involves brushing and flossing daily, as well as using mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen the breath. Dentists can provide guidance on the best oral hygiene practices and help to identify any areas that may be difficult to clean.

Finally, going to the dentist can help to improve overall health and well-being. Research has shown that there is a link between oral health and overall health. Poor oral health has been linked to a number of serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. By maintaining good oral health, you can help to reduce your risk of these and other health issues.

In conclusion, going to the dentist is an important part of maintaining good oral health. Regular check-ups and cleanings can help to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues, and can also detect and treat problems in their early stages. In addition, going to the dentist can help to improve overall health and well-being. It is recommended that adults visit the dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and cleanings.

 

source https://westcobbdentistry.com/importance-of-regular-dental-visits/

Crowns vs Veneers : Which Is Best for You?

Want to know what makes a veneer different from a crown? How can you tell which one is best for you?

If you want to fix your smile, you may already know that veneers and crowns are two popular options. You can get your confident smile back with either veneers or crowns, but which one is best for you? Both veneers and crowns can help you reach your dental goals, like making your teeth look straighter and whiter or protecting a damaged tooth.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about crowns and veneers so you can decide which one to talk to your dentist about.

What is a veneer?

Veneers could help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. This kind of tooth improvement is made to fit perfectly on your tooth and give you a beautiful smile. Patients usually want veneers for one or more of the following reasons:

• Close gaps.If you’ve always had a space between your teeth, you might want to find an easy way to close it. Whether you have just one gap or several, veneers can help make your teeth look better.

• Fix small misalignments. Small misalignments happen as we age and our teeth shift. If this problem has been bothering you, it may be time to look into fixing it with veneers.
• Whiten teeth. Who doesn’t want a brilliant, white smile? If traditional methods of whitening your teeth just don’t seem to cut it, or you want all your teeth to be an even shade of white, consider discussing veneers with your dentist.

• Cover up chips. Small chips in teeth can be embarrassing. While no one but you may notice them, they prevent you from having a smile you love. 

• Have a straight smile. Veneers might be a good option if you’ve always wanted straight teeth that create a winning smile.

What is a veneer, though? A veneer is a very thin layer of material (almost like a shell) that sticks to your teeth. It will cover the front of your tooth or teeth and protect them even more. It will also make your teeth look like they are straight and give you the smile you’ve always wanted.

Each veneer is made to fit your needs and will be the same color as the rest of your teeth so that it looks natural. This option is minimally invasive and is thought to be a permanent way to fix teeth, whether you want one veneer or a few. One of the most popular choices for patients is to replace the eight front teeth on the upper jaw. This creates a smile that is even and looks great.

Benefits of veneers

If you think veneers might be the right choice for you, there are many good things about them.

How to get a natural smile quickly and easily

With veneers, it’s easy to get the natural, even smile you’ve always wanted. They are cemented to your teeth and custom made so that they not only fit in your mouth perfectly, but they look and act just like real teeth. Your dentist will shape your veneers so that they look like they belong in your mouth. This will give you the confidence to smile again.

The procedure is minimally invasive

If you want to fix your teeth in a way that does as little damage as possible, veneers could be the answer. Your dentist will need to grind down a part of your tooth (we’ll talk more about this process later), and once the surface of your natural tooth is ready, your veneer will be glued on. After making a few small changes to make sure they fit and look the way you want, you’ll be ready to go.

They are permanent and stable

Veneers are a permanent way to fix minor problems with your teeth, like stains, chips, or gaps. This option for fixing a tooth is not only safe and stable, but it is also less likely to get stained than your natural teeth.

Are a good investment

Like many other ways to fix teeth, veneers are an investment in your oral health and your overall health. It’s important to feel good about yourself and love the way your smile looks, and veneers can give you a symmetrical, brilliant smile. Many people think that veneers are a good investment in their health because they can fix problems with their teeth that have been bothering them for years.

Are there any disadvantages to veneers?

Even though veneers have a lot of pros, we thought it might be helpful to tell you about a few cons so you can make a better decision.

• Porcelain veneers are permanent
• You may find that hot and cold foods and drinks hurt your teeth more.
• They are not a good way to fix teeth that are badly decayed.
• They are not always the best choice for teeth that have had fillings in between them in the past.
• Still have the potential to crack or chip.

How do you care for veneers?

Keeping your teeth healthy makes it easy to take care of veneers. Make sure you brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, and floss at least once a day. Make sure to use a mouthwash after you brush your teeth as well. It is important to get your teeth checked at least twice a year by your dentist.

It’s important to stay away from things like smoking, drinking drinks with a lot of sugar or carbonation, and snacking on carbs and sticky foods.

What is a crown?

A dental crown is one way to fix broken or decayed teeth. Unlike a veneer, a crown is made to cover and cap your whole tooth. You might find it helpful to think of them as a helmet for a tooth that is broken or decaying. When you get crowns, you protect your tooth from further damage and restore its shape so that you don’t lose the ability to bite down. Crowns are also an easy way to make your mouth look like it is balanced again, so you can smile with confidence again.

Because a crown covers your whole tooth, your dentist will need to file or grind down your tooth so that the crown fits tightly over it. If you need a crown because your teeth are decaying, your dentist will remove the decay to protect the tooth and make it fit better.

Many people need crowns to cover the whole tooth, but there are other options, like onlays or 34 crowns, that don’t cover the whole tooth. If your dentist tells you that you need this type of crown, you can expect to keep more of your natural tooth. This type of procedure results in a crown covering part of your tooth.

Benefits of crowns

If you think you might be interested in crowns, it’s important to know that they have a number of benefits.

Can save damaged teeth

Crowns are made to cover the whole tooth. This means that they may be the right choice for you if you have broken or decayed teeth. If your dentist thinks a crown is the best way to fix your broken tooth, they will file and clean the natural tooth to get it ready for the crown. After the crown is in place, you can eat and smile normally again.

The crown strengthens the tooth that was broken before and lets you use your mouth normally again.

Protect a dead or decaying tooth

If you have a tooth that is decaying, your dentist may decide that you need a crown after a root canal. A crown will protect what’s left of the tooth and keep bacteria from getting into the weak tooth. It will also keep the tooth from breaking.

Mostly permanent

When compared to fillings or onlays, crowns are also more likely to last a long time than fillings or onlays. Even though some crown materials may last longer than others, this type of tooth repair is thought to be stable and safe, and it will give you back your confidence and smile.

Are there any disadvantages to crowns?

Even if you think crowns might be the right choice for you, it’s still good to know what they can’t do.

• You may have to have more of your natural tooth taken out.
• Your teeth may become more sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks.
• Chips may mean you need more repairs, depending on the material.
• A dark line may appear at the gumline of porcelain that has been fused to metal over time.

How do you care for crowns?

If you brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and go to the dentist for checkups, you should be fine with a crown. But if you have porcelain crowns, you should be careful with hard foods so you don’t break them.

Care for a crown is almost the same as care for a veneer. They will never be as strong as your natural teeth were, so you need to be extra careful to eat soft foods and not use your teeth as tools.

How do you know if a veneer or a crown is best for you?

To figure out which one is best for you, you’ll need to talk to a dentist. With veneers, less of your natural tooth needs to be ground down. If you want your teeth to look better, this could be the best choice.

But if you need to protect and fix broken or decayed teeth, you might choose a crown because it can cover the whole tooth.

If you want to discuss these tooth restoration methods in more detail, contact the team at West Cobb Dentistry.

source https://westcobbdentistry.com/crowns-vs-veneers-which-is-best-for-you/

Questions About Dental Implants and Cleanings

​Most people can’t imagine what it would be like to lose their adult teeth. Unfortunately, this could happen. Whether you knock out a tooth by accident or need to have one pulled, it’s best to know what your options are. Crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants are some of the most common choices. Talking to your dentist is the best way to figure out which option will help your condition the most. Dental implants are usually the best choice, but it depends on the situation and your budget. Dental implants are a permanent way to replace missing teeth. They look like real teeth and can make your mouth work better. But you shouldn’t just forget about your dental implants.

Dental implants need to be cared for the same way you would your own teeth (because, in a sense, they are your teeth). If you take good care of them, they can last your whole life and have a 98 percent success rate.

Are Regular Cleanings Necessary with Dental Implants?

Dental implants still need to be cleaned by a dentist, no matter how many you have or how many teeth you still have. It’s normal to wonder why you need to go to the dentist if you have dental implants.
In reality, dental implants need to be cared for just like natural teeth. This means brushing, flossing, and putting mouthwash in your mouth. Also, it means getting regular checkups at the dentist. At the dentist, the hygienist will use different tools and a different cleaning plan. They won’t be looking for cavities. Instead, they will look at your gums for any signs of disease or Peri-implantitis, which is an infection of a dental implant.

What is Peri-implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is a disease that affects the tissues around dental implants. It causes inflammation in the Peri-implant connective tissue and the gradual loss of bone that holds the implant in place.

For good oral health, you need to clean your dental implants the same way you clean your natural teeth.

How Often Should You See a Dentist with Dental Implants?

The oral health of each patient is different, so the protocol for each will also be different. It all depends on their situation. Your dentist will tell you what to do and how long it will take. Most dentists recommend that people with dental implants get their teeth cleaned twice a year, or more often if there are problems.

Is A Dentist Necessary with A Removable Implant Prosthesis?

Absolutely. You can take out your prosthesis every day to brush it and keep it looking good, but you should still make an appointment every six months to have it cleaned by a professional and find out if the implants are still in good shape. Your dentist in Kennesaw, GA can also tell you if there are any snaps, clips, or attachments that could cause problems and need to be fixed.

A dentist will also take x-rays of your mouth to make sure that the implants are healthy and have enough bone to hold them in place.

Call West Cobb Dentistry today for all your teeth cleaning or dental implant needs! 

source https://westcobbdentistry.com/questions-about-dental-implants-and-cleanings/

Don’t Neglect Regular Cleanings with Dental Implants

Cleanings at the dentist every six months are important for keeping teeth healthy and free of disease. If you have dental implants instead of some of your teeth, you might think your dental hygienist doesn’t need to pay as much attention to them.

On the contrary, it’s important to clean around implants, and you need to pay even more attention to it. This is because of the way dental implants connect to the jaw and the materials they are made of.

The periodontal ligament holds natural teeth in place. It has tiny fibers that connect to the teeth on one side and the jawbone on the other. Through the rich network of blood vessels and collagen, the ligaments and gingival (gum) fibers, which are also attached to the tooth, help make the teeth less likely to get sick. On the other hand, dental implants are fixed right into the jawbone. The titanium becomes a part of the bone, which naturally grows around it. This gives the implant the strength it needs to stay in place. The implant doesn’t connect to the gum tissue and won’t have the same relationship with the periodontal ligament as natural teeth.

Bacterial plaque, which is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease, can build up just as easily on an implant crown as it can on a natural tooth. Plaque-caused infections can’t hurt the materials that make up an implant, but they can hurt the gums and bone that support it. In fact, because implants don’t have the gingival fibers and ligament attachments that protect against disease, an infection can quickly turn into peri-implantitis, which can cause bone and tissue loss and cause the implant to fall out.

Your hygienist knows how important it is to get rid of plaque and calculus (plaque that has hardened) around your dental implant. This is usually done with different plastic or resin tools that won’t scratch the highly polished surface of the implant. Scratches give bacteria a place to gather and make it harder to get rid of them. Also, if the hygienist uses ultrasonic equipment, which vibrates to loosen plaque, the hygienist will usually use nylon or plastic tips to protect the implant.

And don’t forget that your own personal hygiene habits are just as important with dental implants as they are with natural teeth. Plaque needs to be controlled at home and by your dentist for your dental implants to last as long as possible.

source https://westcobbdentistry.com/dont-neglect-regular-cleanings-with-dental-implants/