Adverse Effects of Dental Implants

Adverse Effects of Dental Implants
By Stephanie Dilson

Dental implants are a remarkable advancement in dental research. They resemble natural teeth, are extremely sturdy, require the same maintenance as natural teeth and often can last a persons lifetime. Dental implants are defined as permanent fixtures of titanium posts anchored to the jawbone and topped with individual replacement teeth or a bridge that screws or cements into the post. Dental implants got their start in Sweden but the technology and materials that are being used in North America today have been successfully used in European countries for the past thirty years.

The success rate for both upper and lower implants is extremely high. For instance, lower implants have the highest success rate at 98 percent while for upper implants it is 91 percent. However there are some adverse effects that are associated with dental implants although the good news is that there is not that many. Lets take a look at some of them.

Sometimes dental implant surgery fails because of bacterial contamination that is to be found at the site of the implants. If the area is not adequately cleaned beforehand then this is likely to occur. In order to decrease the chance of infection occurring following the surgery, patients are often prescribed one or a variety of prophylactic systemic antibiotics. The use of antibiotics in some individuals can cause its share of adverse effects ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to more serious allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention. With the use of antibiotics comes a concern about bacteria that is antibiotic-resistant. Tests are ongoing to determine to what extent antibiotics are necessary where dental implant surgery is concerned. This issue is somewhat of a controversial one as some patients seem to benefit from the use of antibiotics after surgery while others find it a hindrance to healing and ushers in a host of other adverse side effects. Some researchers believe that prophylactic antibiotics are very effective in reducing the incidence of dental implant failures while others are still not sure. New research into these health issues is being undertaken all of the time.

Some individuals are more likely to develop infections after surgery than are others because of a comprised immune system or a metabolic disease, such as those with diabetes. Other people prone to infection following surgery include people who are at risk of, or who have a past history of, heart related infections (or endocarditis) and those who have had radiotherapy either in the area of their head or neck. Patients with any of the above conditions are often administered preoperative antibiotics before the dental implant surgery is undertaken.

Other adverse effects of having dental implants placed in ones mouth include the discomfort, bruising and swelling that often occurs afterwards. No two people have all of the same adverse effect postoperative but most people will experience a small extent of at least one of them. Sometimes the dental implants do not integrate to a patients mouth. This is another way of saying that the surgery can be a total flop. The failure of surgery can depend on a number of factors but the most common ones have to do with the type of implants that are used as well as the general health of the patient getting the surgery. As a general rule, the better health a person is in, the more likely that the surgery will be a success.

Stephanie Dilson is a Dental Surgeon and in her spare time runs an informational site on Dental Implants for all those interested in the process to find out valuable information on the cost, benefits, risks and features of this increasingly popular procedure. For more information see http://www.dentalimplantsguide.com

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Feline Dental Care Taking Care of your Cat's Teeth

Feline Dental Care - Taking Care of your Cat's Teeth
By Cory Willins

There are a lot of responsibilities involved in caring for a cat. Providing food, water and shelter is just the beginning. Grooming is an obvious necessity. Its the less visible needs like dental care that are often overlooked.

Everything with teeth needs a tooth brush. Theres a variety of brushes, scrubbing pads and sponges on the market that are especially meant for your cat. The condition of the animals gums and how comfortable both of you are with the process with determine what kind of tool you should chose.

Pads or sponges are best for an animal for sensitive gums and for people who have trouble holding on to a brush. These options are usually disposable. If you decide to go with a brush, make sure to get one thats specifically made for cats. Theyre smaller, longer and have softer bristles.

Its very important to use toothpaste thats designed for animals. Many of the ingredients in traditional pastes can upset your pets stomach and may even be toxic. Veterinarians recommend toothpastes that contain chlorhexidine or hexametaphosphate.

If dental care is a new concept for your cat, you might want to give it a chance to get used to the idea before you go digging around in its mouth. Try wrapping your finger in a piece of gauze dipped in tuna water or some flavor your cat will enjoy. This will help it get accustomed to someone poking around inside its mouth. The texture of the gauze will mimic that of the tooth brush. Give the cat an opportunity to smell and lick the tool youre about to put in its mouth.

Most feline toothpastes come in flavors cats enjoy, like tuna or chicken. The taste will help relieve some of the anxiety your pet may experience. Talking to the cat during the brushing process will be soothing as well. You may want to brush only a few teeth at first. The large, upper canines are the easiest for you to reach and the least invasive on the cat. Work up to more thorough brushings as your cat becomes more receptive.

You should try to brush your pets teeth daily, as you do your own. The hard part is just getting started. Once both you and your cat get used to it, it will become a quick part if your daily routine. If daily brushing isnt possible, brushing every other day is enough to remove plaque before it hardens. You cats oral care can also be managed with diet. Studies show that hard, crunchy food can help reduce plaque. Avoid feeding it table scraps or sweet treats, as sugar increases plaque and tarter production and can cause digestive or other health problems.

Cory enjoys writing about dogs and other pets. Find more of her articles at Pets 247, a pet resource website where you can find online pet store resources, savory dog food, pet directories, pet forums, reviews and more.

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