Olde Naples Periodontics Celebrates 45 Years of Service as a Leading Provider of Periodontal and Implant Dentistry in Naples, FL

United States, 25th Sep 2024 - At Olde Naples Periodontics, founded in 1977, we are proud to offer expert dental implant services to the Naples community. Under the care of Dr. Denise Gay, our highly experienced periodontist, we provide personalized implant treatments that restore both function and aesthetics to your smile. Dr. Gay also educates patients on peri-implant disease, a condition that can affect the health of implants if not properly managed. By focusing on prevention and care, she ensures that your dental implants remain healthy and long-lasting. Ready to improve your smile and dental health? Schedule your consultation today!

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the most effective tooth replacement solutions available today. They are designed to mimic the function of natural teeth, providing a secure and stable foundation for replacement crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Benefits of Dental Implants:

Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Natural Look and Feel: Implants are custom-designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Improved Function: Enjoy eating, speaking, and smiling with the confidence and stability that implants provide.
Preservation of Jawbone: Implants help prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone, maintaining its integrity over time.

At Olde Naples Periodontics, our goal is to restore your smile to its full potential, giving you a solution that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth.

The Implant Process at Olde Naples Periodontics

At Olde Naples Periodontics, our dental implant process is tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Dr. Denise Gay uses her advanced training as a periodontist to provide the most precise, minimally invasive treatment possible.

Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this visit, Dr. Gay will assess your oral health, including the condition of your gums and jawbone, to determine your suitability for dental implants. Digital imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans, may be used to gain a detailed view of the area and plan the optimal placement of the implant.

Step 2: Implant Placement
Once you’ve been deemed a suitable candidate, the next step is the surgical placement of the implant post into the jawbone. This titanium post acts as a stable foundation for the replacement tooth. Dr. Gay ensures that the implant is positioned with precision to maximize stability and promote osseointegration (the process of the implant fusing with the bone).

Step 3: Healing and Temporary Restoration
After the implant is placed, a healing period of several months allows the implant to integrate with the bone. During this time, Dr. Gay may place a temporary restoration to maintain the appearance of your smile while healing occurs.

Step 4: Final Restoration
Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, the final step is attaching a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to the implant. This restoration is designed to look and function just like a natural tooth, completing your smile transformation.

What is Peri-Implant Disease?

Peri-implant diseases are inflammatory conditions affecting the soft and hard gum tissues around dental implants. Similar to a natural tooth, bacteria can build up on the base of the implant, below the gum line. Over time, the bacteria irritates the gum tissue, causing it to become inflamed, damaging the tissue and if not caught early, causing the bone structure around the implant to deteriorate. Peri-implant mucositis is gum inflammation found only around the soft tissues of the dental implant, with no signs of bone loss. Generally peri-implant mucositis is a precursor to peri-implantitis. Evidence suggests that peri-implant mucositis may be successfully treated and is reversible if caught early. Peri-implantitis is gum inflammation found around the soft tissue with deterioration of the bone supporting the dental implant. Peri-implantitis usually requires surgical treatment..

Signs of peri-implant diseases are similar to symptoms of gum disease: red or swollen gums around the implants, or bleeding when brushing. And just like your natural teeth, implants require regular tooth brushing and flossing and regular check-ups from a dental professional. Other risk factors for developing peri-implant disease include previous periodontal disease diagnosis, poor plaque control, smoking, and diabetes. It is essential to routinely monitor dental implants as part of a comprehensive periodontal evaluation. The up side to dental implants is they function just like your natural tooth. The downside is, they are capable of becoming diseased just like a natural tooth. With a proper oral health routine, your dental implant can last a lifetime.

Causes and Risk Factors for Peri-Implant Disease

Like natural teeth, dental implants are susceptible to bacterial build-up if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. Over time, bacteria can accumulate below the gum line, leading to inflammation and infection. There are several factors that increase the risk of developing peri-implant disease:

Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can allow plaque to build up around the implant.
History of Periodontal Disease: Patients who have previously experienced gum disease may be more prone to peri-implantitis.
Smoking: Smoking impairs the body’s ability to heal and can increase the likelihood of infection.
Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can weaken the immune system and hinder the body’s ability to fight off infection.

Routine monitoring of dental implants through regular check-ups and cleanings is essential to ensure early detection of any issues and to maintain the long-term health of your implants.

At Olde Naples Periodontics, we not only offer dental implant placement but also specialize in the treatment and prevention of peri-implant diseases. As a periodontist, Dr. Denise Gay has received extensive, specialized training in periodontal and implant health, making her uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat conditions like peri-implant disease. This level of expertise goes beyond general dentistry, ensuring that your implant remains healthy and functional for life.