Congratulations, you’re bionic!…

Now What?

Your implant has integrated with the bone, the final crown is in place, normal function 
has returned and “it’s easy to forget that the implant is even there”. This is the outcome
 we planned for.  However, don’t forget about your new bionic parts when it comes to
 home care and checkup visits.

Continue to see your restorative dentist for regular checkup and hygiene
 appointments!

We cannot stress this strongly enough. Regular exams and cleanings are more
 important now than ever before. Healthy gums are critical to the health of your dental 
implants. Natural teeth have “connective fibers” between the roots and the bone.
 These fibers act as a cushion from chewing pressure and a barrier to bacteria from 
infecting the bone. Implants do not have these fibers and mild gum infection around an 
implant can progress to the bone quicker than on natural teeth. Tight gingivia tissue 
around the implant is the first line defense to bacteria. Regular visits will ensure the 
health of your entire mouth.

We share the responsibility of maintenance and long term success for your dental
 implant.

Along with seeing your dentist for regular exams, we urge you to see us annually for
 an Implant Care System exam. At each exam your implant will be checked for signs of infection (which can be seen clinically before pain occurs), proper chewing contact, and 
proper bone support. If any problems exists we can respond with prompt treatment and
 often avoid permanent damage to the surrounding bone.

Early detection is key.

Nearly all patients that receive treatment for an “ailing implant” improve. What is the difference between those that improve and those that don’t? Early detection. If we can
 discover an infection before bone is lost and support is lost, treatment is quick and the 
prognosis great. We remove the bacterial source, help you develop methods for
 keeping the area clean and watch the tissue tighten up to a protective barrier.

Becoming bionic was a journey.

Now that you have completed that process, proper maintenance will insure the longest 
success of your implant restoration. Again, we urge you to see your restorative dentist 
for regular hygiene appointments and our Implant Care Specialist once a year for an
 ICS evaluation. If you ever have a question regarding the health of your implant or 
”something just doesn’t seem right” contact our office, we will determine if a problem 
exists and offer treatment options.

Please call (202) 386-7100 if you have any questions or concerns regarding your post-implant care.