What the Anatomical Differences between Teeth & Dental Implants Mean to Home Care

In an article "Top 5 anatomical differences between dental implants and teeth that influence treatment outcomes" dated September 12,2017 by Scott Frouum, DDS and Gregori M. Kurtzman, DDS MAGD, five anatomical differences between a natural tooth and dental implants and the affects of success on diagnosis and treatment.

Lets's take a look at the five differences and the challenges they create for dental implants, the writer's conclusions, and a few Verde Pointe Dental Associates comments.

1. Dental implants have a deeper periodontal sulcus versus a natural tooth sulcus.  The sulcular attachment around the tooth allows a dental probe movement deeper into the biologic width, so probing teeth is not as reliable of a method for those with dental implants. There fore the increased pocket depths do not necessarily indicate disease.  So, if your dentist tells you your implant is probing too deeply, you may consider a second opinion.
2. Differences in the periodontal attachment when faced with bacterial challenges have shown a greater breakdown with implants, making it more critical for patient compliance in extra professional dental cleanings per year coupled by excellent home hygiene.  The more rigorous suggested hygiene only makes sense for those with implants. A suggestion would be to use a Sonicare Toothbrush at least twice a day paying extra close attention to the implant critical areas.
3. The inflammatory response challenged by bacteria is greater with implants than natural teeth, making them more susceptible to tissue and bone loss from plaque.  It is important to keep bacteria count as low as possible which keeps inflammation low. Once again, excellent home care, reducing plaque and bacteria in the mouth is vital for healthy implants.
4.  Another difference described by the authors is the decreased vascularity around dental implants in comparison to natural teeth.  The slowing healing, lowering predictability and the requirement to add regenerative biomaterials may become necessary. If your dentists suggests the use of  extra biomaterials, relax an understand they are used with regularity in the dental industry.
5. Dental implant's lack of a functioning periodontal ligament results in more mechanical complications. A dental implant is described as more porous resulting in higher bacterial contamination.  The higher bacterial contamination will soon be a concern of the past as implants are coated with KHG fiteBac Technology.  It is patented technology developed by Dr. Kirk Kimmerling DDS and researchers from around the globe.  Once the technology becomes available on the market, it is estimated that every implant will be coated eliminating concerns over inflammation and bacteria.

Conclusion:  Taking great head in excellent home care can help keep the unfortunate anatomical differences between dental implant treatment outcomes at a lower failure rate, and expect proven patented technology to close unfortunate gap soon.