A diagram of dental implant at Periodontal Associates.

Dental implants are a highly effective solution for lost teeth. Crowns mimic natural teeth in their form and function and titanium posts bond with and stimulate your jaw bone, allowing the Dental Implants to act just like a natural tooth would.

Unfortunately, implants can occasionally fail, and if this happens we will need you to come in so we can repair or replace them.

The Structure of an Implant

Most dental implants are made of a titanium post that is embedded in the jaw bone, a ceramic crown that acts as a replacement tooth and an abutment that connects the post and the crown. If one of these parts loosens or breaks, all three can become compromised.

Titanium is usually chosen for implants because it bonds with the jaw bone in a process known as osseointegration. If this process doesn't occur properly then you'll end up with an implant that isn't firmly in place. This will lead to problems later on.

Signs that an Implant May Fail

If the bone doesn't grow around the implant in the right way, mobility is often the primary signal that the implant may fail. This mobility is often very slight at first and usually only a dentist can see it, but as time goes on an implant that hasn't integrated properly can shift when you chew or speak. Implants that have failed completely with frequently.

Other warnings signs of impending failure include pain, inflammation, and infection, but these do not always occur. If Dr. Eshraghi notices that your implant is moving, he may conduct an x-ray to make sure the bone is growing. If the implant is failing, the x-ray may reveal considerable bone loss around the metal area.

Repair and Replacement

In cases where the implant crown becomes cracked or detached, it is an easy matter for us to attach a new, or make any other repairs if necessary. However, if the damage to the implant is too severe, we will need to remove and replace it.

It is easy for us to remove a failed dental implant, but we will need to use a local anesthetic for this procedure. Once the implant is removed Dr. Eshraghi will carefully clean the area. Then we can begin the process of inserting a new implant, making careful note of what went wrong the first time. If there is enough healthy bone in the same area, we won't need a bone graft.

However, in cases of significant bone loss, we may need to place a bone graft to improve the site of the removed implant before placing a new one. Once the bone graft is complete, your mouth may need several months to heal before we can put in a new implant. During the healing period, Dr. Eshraghi may ask you to quit smoking, postpone cancer treatment or make other lifestyle adjustments that will reduce the risk of the next implant failing as well.

Always remember to take good care of your implants by brushing and flossing daily. Also take care to eat a balanced diet and abstain from using your teeth as tools, as this can chip them. If you experience any problems with your Dental Implants, contact us right away.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please give us a call at (971) 317-8414.

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Cleaning & Exams Beaverton & Tualatin

Woman talking to dentist during dental exam

If you have symptoms of an advanced stage of gum disease, we may need to conduct periodontal cleaning (also called deep cleaning), scaling or root planing to eliminate any bacteria, plaque, tartar or food residue that has accumulated beneath the gums.

Procedure for First Dental Examination

Dr. Eshraghi will conduct a comprehensive dental examination the first time you visit our office. During routine appointments, your exams will usually include the following steps:

•	Taking diagnostic x-rays to look for signs of cysts, tumors, decay, and bone loss, and to determine the locations of teeth and roots.
•	An oral cancer screening, wherein we will examine your face, neck, gums, tongue, tissues, and throat for any symptoms of oral cancer.
•	Checking the gums and bone near your teeth for any symptoms of periodontal disease.
•	Using special oral instruments for examining all the surfaces of your teeth for decay.
•	Examining any veneers, crowns, fillings or other restorations.

Periodontal Supportive Therapy

If plaque is left on your teeth, it can develop into calculus in just 24 hours. Daily brushing and flossing will keep plaque under control and prevent it from progressing, but professional cleanings will allow us to clean any hard-to-reach areas.

Periodontal Supportive Therapy (PST), also known as periodontal dental prophylaxis, is conducted by a Registered Dental Hygienist. If you are scheduled for one, your cleaning appointment will involve a periodontal exam and the following steps.

Removing Tartar

Tartar is hardened plaque that forms both above and below the gum line. Plaque that remains on a tooth for too long can harden into this hard-to-remove substance. We'll utilize special dental instruments to eliminate them.

Removing Plaque

When bacteria are allowed to grow unhindered on a tooth, it starts to form a sticky, semi-invisible film known as plaque. Plaque is a colony of saliva, food residue and bacteria. The bacteria produce toxins that cause the gums to become inflamed, which is the starting point of periodontal disease. To prevent the plaque from causing further damage, we will remove it and instruct you on how to keep it at bay with lifestyle changes at home.

Teeth Polishing

We will also remove stains and plaque that remains following the tooth cleaning and scaling.

Healing Period

Once the procedure is done, Dr. Eshraghi may prescribe antibiotics, along with over-the-counter pain medication if you are suffering from any pain or tenderness in the affected area.

Causes of Gum Disease

Gum disease has multiple contributing factors, such as poor oral hygiene, waiting too long between professional cleanings, and other health complications such as diabetes. Women who are pregnant or undergoing menopause can also have periodic episodes of gum disease and inflammation. Dr. Eshraghi can monitor such symptoms and provide treatment.

If gum disease is not promptly treated, inflammation and infection will begin to affect the area beneath the gum line as well, eventually causing teeth to loose and undermining the supporting bone. We must treat it to prevent tooth loss.

FAQs

What happens during a first dental examination?

During your first dental examination, a comprehensive evaluation is performed. This includes diagnostic x-rays to check for decay, cysts, or bone loss, an oral cancer screening, a periodontal evaluation for gum disease, and an examination of all tooth surfaces, as well as any existing restorations like crowns or fillings.

What is periodontal supportive therapy (PST)?

Periodontal Supportive Therapy (PST) involves professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, especially from hard-to-reach areas. It helps prevent periodontal disease by eliminating bacteria buildup, polishing teeth to remove stains, and maintaining gum health.

How does gum disease develop?

Gum disease develops when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on teeth and hardens into tartar if not removed. This can cause inflammation of the gums and, if untreated, lead to infection beneath the gum line, tooth loosening, and bone loss.

What are the causes of gum disease?

Gum disease can be caused by poor oral hygiene, infrequent professional cleanings, and health issues such as diabetes. Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can also contribute to gum inflammation and disease.

What is the process for removing tartar and plaque?

Special dental instruments are used to remove tartar, a hardened form of plaque that forms above and below the gum line. Plaque, which is a colony of bacteria, food particles, and saliva, is also eliminated to prevent gum disease and maintain oral health.

What should I expect after a deep cleaning?

After a deep cleaning, you may experience some tenderness or mild pain in the treated area. Antibiotics or over-the-counter pain medications may be prescribed to manage discomfort. Proper oral hygiene and follow-up care are essential to maintain results and prevent gum disease.

Contact Us Today!

If you have any other questions or concerns, please give us a call at (971) 317-8414.

Beaverton Office
17895 NW Evergreen Pkwy #150
Beaverton, OR 97006

Tualatin Office
18753 SW Martinazzi Ave
Tualatin, OR 97062

NE Portland Office
2530 NE Oregon St
Portland, OR 97232

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(971) 317-8414

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Dental Exam | Beaverton & Tualatin | Periodontal Associates
Periodontal Associates, with locations in Beaverton & Tualatin, offers Dental Exams and Oral Cancer Screenings. Call us today to book an appointment (971) 317-8414
Periodontal Associates, 17895 NW Evergreen Pkwy #150 Beaverton, OR 97006; (971) 317-8414; portlandimplantdentistry.com; 1/24/2025; Page Phrases: dental implants Beaverton OR;