5 mistakes to avoid with dental implants
Dental implants are an excellent solution for restoring teeth and enhancing cosmetic appearance. They not only replace missing teeth but also stabilize adjacent teeth and prevent jaw bone shrinkage caused by bone loss. In addition, dentists use implants to maintain the health of surrounding bone and gums. However, to ensure the success of the implant procedure, it is essential to avoid some common dental mistakes. So, let’s know some of them.
Neglecting periodic dental visits
The procedure for a successful dental implant requires about six months. To ensure that one gets the best and most positive outcome from this intensive dental procedure, visiting one’s dental health practitioner is essential. Skipping routine appointments and missing out on follow-up visits, as advised by one’s dentist, can lead to several complications. It can also cause implant failure.
Eating hard foods post-dental implants
It’s important to avoid eating hard and abrasive foods in the first few days after getting a dental implant. These foods can irritate your gums and potentially dislodge the blood clot that forms during the initial healing process. If the blood clot is disrupted, it can cause significant bleeding and pain. Sticking to soft and easy-to-chew foods during this period is best to ensure proper healing. However, here are a few foods to avoid:
- Nuts
- Chips
- Ice
- Frozen fruits
- Hard pretzels
- Crunchy popcorn kernels
Healthcare professionals usually recommend the following foods after a dental implant procedure:
- Cold broths
- Cold, blended soups
- Apple sauce
- Fresh juices
- Protein shakes and smoothies
Failing to convey dental implant issues immediately
After an implant procedure, it is normal to experience some mild pain and discomfort, which typically subside within a few days. However, experiencing pain or bleeding for over a week is abnormal. Even allergic reactions to the metals used in the implant cause concern. If one experiences these issues, they must report to their dentist immediately.
Overlooking after-care oral hygiene
The recovery time after undergoing any dental implant procedure depends highly on the maintenance and hygiene routine one follows. It is essential to discuss withone’ss dentist what after-care steps one must follow. This will help prevent oral infections during the process of healing. Moreover, following a proper hygiene routine will lower the risk of gum disease, which often leads to implant failure. Dentists recommend a few steps as part of an after-care oral routine.
- Replace the old toothbrush and toothpaste that was used before the implant. These usually have bacteria residue that may cause potential infections.
- Use toothpaste and toothbrushes that are not harsh and have been recommended byone’ss dentist.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash prescribed byone’ss healthcare professional.
- Brush at least twice daily or as many times as suggested byone’ss dentist.
- Practice flossing at least once a day.
Not giving enough recovery time
Although implant processes are like minor surgical procedures, sufficient recovery time is required. There is a high risk of injury and trauma in the initial days after the procedure, and the sutures are vulnerable to damage in the first few days following your procedure. Therefore, it is essential that one takes time off their schedule and puts personal and professional obligations on hold for a few days after the implant procedure.