If you are a candidate for dental implants, it is very important to educate yourself on what to expect and how to ensure a successful outcome. We’ve listed five common mistakes to avoid with dental implants.
Not being aware of your options
The dental implant journey is a long but valuable one, and knowing your options will make you more comfortable with your final decision. It is very important to talk to our experienced dental team who can answer your questions and guide you through all options.
- .Saving your teeth: If possible, this is always the best option.
- .Single implants: Single implants can work as well as a single tooth replacement unless you need a completely new dental arch.
- .Partial dentures: When there are reliable, well-anchored teeth to be used as a base, removable partial dentures can be an alternative to replacing multiple missing teeth.
In the end, it’s your mouth and your decision will affect your quality of life. We know that informed patients are happier patients, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Failing to provide your medical history
Given the number of implant options available today, most people are good candidates. Even if you’ve lost a few teeth or are missing bone structure in your jaw, your dentist can usually tailor the procedure to work for you. However, some conditions may adversely affect the results. You should notify your dentist as soon as possible if your medical history includes any of the following:
- .Uncontrolled diabetes
- .Uncontrolled gum disease
- .To smoke
- .Alcoholism
- .Cancer
- .Radiation to the jawbone
- .Suppressed immune system with drugs
- .Teeth grinding or clenching
Having one or more of these concerns does not necessarily disqualify you from getting implants, but your dentist will need to include them in the procedure. To avoid dental implant problems, be sure to explain all of these issues during your initial assessment.
Not reporting problems right away
After your implant procedure, you should expect to experience a certain degree of pain and discomfort. Additionally, you will likely experience some bleeding and swelling, especially in the hours after surgery. However, these issues should resolve themselves within a few days. If you continue to experience pain or bleeding, do not expect the problem to resolve itself!
Problems can be relatively minor, such as a sinus infection affecting the implants. However, other conditions such as an allergic reaction to the metals used in the implant. It may be more severe.
Skipping in recovery time
We know that our patients are busy and it is not always possible to take long time off from work, daily routines and family obligations. While you may be worried about returning to your regular activities, it’s essential to follow our advice, especially when it comes to getting back to your active lifestyle. Injury and trauma are significant risks because your stitches will be vulnerable to damage for the first few days after surgery.
To ensure a successful recovery, you should work with your dentist to understand when it is safe to resume certain activities. For example, low-impact exercises such as walking and yoga are safer than more active activities such as jogging and tennis and can be safely resumed sooner. Remember, your body is recovering and it is best to return to activities gradually.
Continuing bad oral hygiene habits
Adopting and maintaining good oral hygiene habits is essential for long-term implant success. Regular brushing and flossing will help keep your mouth free of bacteria and prevent infection during the healing process and maintain a healthy smile for years to come. It is also important to remember when habits such as nail biting, ice chewing and using your teeth as tools (such as unpacking) should be avoided as excessive pressure can cause the implant to fail. One of the benefits of dental implants is that they function like natural teeth, so it makes sense for patients with good oral hygiene to have longer-lasting implants.
