Dental implants are already a very successful treatment. More than 90% of people who receive dental implants have success with them, but in our constant quest to make that number 100%, we are always looking for new technologies and techniques to improve the dental implant.
Now it seems Finnish researchers at Aalto University have come up with a new exciting option for improving the coating of dental implants.
A Coating Like Bone
Many types of dental implants are coated with hydroxyapatite. Sometimes called bioactive glass, this compound is chemically similar to bone, and it can help your body recognize the dental implant as belonging in the jawbone and adhere to it.
Unfortunately, this coating sometimes cracks and is shed, which can reduce its effectiveness in encouraging bone growth. The cracked coating also becomes a place where bacteria can be harbored, allowing them to enter the body, attack surrounding tissue, and ultimately lead to dental implant failure.
Finnish researchers found that by adding beta-tricalcium phosphate to the coating, cracking and shedding were reduced. This could improve the coating’s ability to adhere to bones and give fewer cracks that could harbor bacteria.
About 10-15% of dental implant complications are due to bacterial infection. Anything that can be done to reduce the risk of infection and improve adhesion of the dental implant is a definite plus.
Other Ways to Reduce Risk of Infection
The risk of infection is probably the biggest threat to your dental implants. Fortunately, there are many things we already do to reduce your risk of dental implant failure.
First, we will recommend treatment of your periodontal disease before you receive your dental implants. Next, we will make sure your dental implant procedure is performed using the best practices to reduce your risk of infection. Finally, we may prescribe preventive antibiotics if appropriate.
You, of course, have your role in preserving your dental implants. If you lost your natural teeth due to periodontal disease, you have to commit to the best oral hygiene routine to protect your dental implants from a similar fate.
Together, we can make sure you get a lifetime of beautiful smiles out of your dental implants.
If you want to learn more about dental implants, please contact Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics today for an appointment at our office in Spokane or Spokane Valley.
