10 Common Mistakes to Avoid With Dental Implants
Dental implants are an excellent dental restorative solution to missing teeth. They restore your smile, facial appearance, dental function and self-esteem. However, several mistakes associated with dental implants affect their efficacy and durability. Read on to discover the mistakes you should avoid with dental implants in Auburn.
10 Mistakes to Avoid With Dental Implants
Getting implants from a dentist near you is lengthy and invasive. Fortunately, the results are amazing, and the replacements are durable and easy to maintain. However, you can make mistakes that compromise the procedure, recovery or longevity. Below are some that you should avoid.
- Not choosing the right dentist
The dental implant procedure is complex for an inexperienced dentist. They will not know how to make a suitable treatment plan. Also, they can make mistakes that will affect your health. Therefore, you should research before choosing a dentist to perform the process. For example, the experts at Sunrise Dental of Auburn will prevent implant failure and complications.
- Failing to disclose a complete and accurate medical history
Your dentist must review your dental and medical history before beginning the implant process. The review results will determine if the treatment is suitable for you. They will also help in customizing your treatment plan and predicting possible risks. In addition, the process involves oral surgery and several months of recovery.
However, some people fail to communicate their medical history to the dentist. For example, they do not tell the dentist about existing medical conditions and medications. This can compromise the dental implant process. Always notify your dentist if you have diabetes, cancer, or a suppressed immune system.
- Not communicating all your lifestyle habits
Some habits affect the dental implant process leading to complications and implant failure. For example, tobacco use and alcoholism interfere with healing after surgery. In addition, habits like teeth grinding and jaw clenching prevent the post from fusing with the jawbone properly. Tell your dentist about such practices to receive the necessary help and guidance.
- Being unaware of all your options
There are several types and techniques for placing dental implants. You can have single-tooth implants to restore one missing tooth. The dentist will attach implants to dentures or bridgework to replace several teeth. They use a few implants to support the entire arch.
In addition, you can have the teeth-in-a-day option, which is fast or undergo a lengthy traditional dental implant process. However, your treatment can be complicated if you are unaware of these options. Choose a dentist in Auburn, WA, who will tell you about your options before the implant procedure.
- Failing to report dental implant problems immediately
Some hours after surgery, you will experience pain and discomfort. Fortunately, the issues resolve themselves quickly with medication and home care. However, you should inform the dentist if the problems like pain and bleeding persist. They may signify an infection in the area. Also, tell them if you have sinus infections as they affect the implants.
- Neglecting your oral hygiene
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial when you have dental implants. If you do not brush or floss well every day, you can get oral infections during the healing process. Good oral hygiene will help prevent gum disease, which leads to implant failure. It also ensures your new teeth remain healthy and beautiful for a long time.
- Skipping routine dental visits and follow-ups
The dental implant process takes approximately six months. During this time, you must visit the dentist regularly to ensure positive progress. However, if you skip the appointments, you risk serious complications and implant failure.
- Skimping on your recovery time
Most patients jump back into their normal routines immediately after the implant procedure. They do not give their bodies the necessary time to heal. This increases the risk of prolonged bleeding, suture damage and trauma to the surgical site.
- Taking the wrong foods
You should take soft and easy-to-chew foods after the implant surgery. These include milkshakes, applesauce, soup, or mashed potatoes. Taking extremely hot, spicy or hard-to-chew foods can impact the recovery process. Resume your regular diet when the dentist tells you to.
- Deviating from the dentist’s care instructions
When getting dental implants in Auburn, the dentist will instruct you on caring for the mouth. You risk implant failure and complications if you ignore or deviate from them.