Frequently Asked Questions dental implant, pain, bleeding

Seeing blood when brushing or flossing is not normal—it's often a sign of gum inflammation, most commonly gingivitis or periodontitis, which is gum disease. It can also result from:

• Brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled toothbrush 
• Flossing incorrectly or too aggressively 
• Poor oral hygiene (plaque buildup) 
• Hormonal changes or certain medications
• Vitamin deficiencies (like Vitamin C or K)

If it happens occasionally and gently improving your brushing/flossing technique helps, it's usually not serious. But if it’s frequent or persistent, it’s best to see a dentist—it could prevent more serious gum problems.

You can take over-the-counter pain medication to help relieve the pain. 

Most importantly see a dentist as soon as possible.
A toothache may be caused by:

• A cavity
• Cracked tooth 
• Infection or abscess 
• Gum disease 
• Exposed tooth root or enamel wear

Prompt treatment can prevent complications like severe infections or tooth loss.

A dental implant is a small, screw-like post—usually made of titanium—that acts as an artificial tooth root. It's surgically placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth (crown), bridge, or denture.

Here's how it works:

1. Implant placement: The implant is inserted into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over a few months in a process called osseointegration.
    
2. Abutment attachment: Once healed, a connector called an abutment is attached to the implant.
    
3. Crown placement: A custom-made crown (the visible tooth) is then secured to the abutment, completing the restoration.
    

Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth and help prevent bone loss in the jaw.