Oral diseases impact about 3.5 billion people. Meanwhile, untreated tooth decay in permanent teeth is the most common health condition in the world. Unfortunately, tooth decay could cause you to lose your teeth.
You might need to schedule a dental implant procedure as a result.
Don’t schedule your procedure just yet! Instead, make sure to avoid these seven dental implant mistakes first. Reading this guide beforehand will ensure you don’t hinder the treatment process.
Improve your overall oral health with dental implants. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Thinking You Don’t Qualify
One of the biggest dental implant mistakes you can make is assuming you don’t qualify for the dental implant procedure. Before making any assumptions, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can help you determine if you qualify for treatment.
Your dentist can use 3D CT scan X-rays to review the state of the bone within your jaws. Then, they’ll determine if you have enough bone volume in the front of your jaw. You’ll need sufficient bone to place the implants.
Your dentist will need to determine if you have enough bone volume above your molar, too.
Some patients assume they don’t qualify for more than four implants per jaw, too.
In some cases, an all-on-4 implant isn’t ideal. Your dentist might suggest a fixed zirconia bridge or fixed hybrid bridge restoration instead.
Remain wary of dentists that offer all-on-4 dental implants as a one-size-fits-all procedure. Instead, your dentist should consider your lifestyle goals, age, and bone type. Then, they can determine which treatment option is most suitable for your needs.
Ask your dentist if you’re suitable for six or more implants per arch, too.
Before scheduling your dental implant procedure, consider getting a second opinion. Each dentist will have their own approach. Getting a second opinion can help you determine which treatment options are ideal for your needs.
2. Not Choosing an Experienced Dentist
Before scheduling your dental implant procedure, it’s also important to find an experienced dentist you can trust. You don’t want an inexperienced doctor operating on your teeth. After all, every surgery carries inherent risks.
First, take the time to review the dentist’s credentials. Consider where they went to school and how recently they received training.
Research the dentist online, too. Look for reviews on their Google My Business and Better Business Bureau listing. You can also ask the dentist for references from some of their recent patients.
Ask the dentist how many dental implant procedures they’ve completed as well. The more often they complete the procedure, the better.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve chosen an experienced, qualified dentist.
Ask the dentist if they provide a guarantee, too.
3. Not Researching the Right Brand
Before making these costly dental implant mistakes, do a little research. Some patients try to remain frugal. They choose generic brands to save money.
Choosing generic brand dental implants could risk your health. You could waste valuable time and money, too.
Instead, talk to your dentist about the dental implants they use. Two of the top brands include Neodent and Nobel Biocare. Choosing implants from an established, well-known brand can give you peace of mind.
Verify the implants’ warranty, too. Some brands offer lifetime guarantees. If there’s no warranty information for your implants, choose another brand.
Make sure you get a certificate of the implant specifications before your procedure, too.
4. Assuming It Happens in a Day
Some dentists claim patients can get instant results by scheduling a dental implant procedure. Instead, it’s important to manage your expectations. Most patients aren’t ideal candidates to get “teeth in a day.”
Instead, your dentist will start by extracting the unwanted teeth to make room for the restorations. Then, the implants are placed, along with a temporary denture.
Usually, it takes a few months before the implant site can heal properly. Once you’re done healing, your dentist can replace the temporary teeth with permanent teeth.
Some patients also assume it’s best to extract all their teeth and start over. Rather, it’s usually more cost-effective and comfortable to keep as many of your natural teeth as possible.
5. Failing to Ask About Aftercare
The number of dental implant procedures increased by 6.3% between 2019 and 2020. The number of procedures could increase by 23% between 2020 and 2026. Though the procedure is becoming more common, not many people understand the importance of aftercare.
Talk to your dentist about your dental implant maintenance plan.
For example, your dentist will give you specific post-treatment instructions regarding your oral hygiene. Brush and floss twice a day. You might not want to rinse your mouth for the first day or two, though.
Once they have time to heal, your dentist might recommend using a saltwater solution.
Consider your diet, too. Stick to soft foods like applesauce and mashed potatoes.
You should also avoid jumping back into sports or exercise right away.
Instead, talk to your dentist about establishing a new routine after your procedure.
6. Using Your Teeth Prematurely
If you’re trying to avoid costly dental implant mistakes, don’t rush to use your teeth too soon after the procedure. Instead, you’ll need to give your implants time to heal.
One of the most important steps after the procedure is the osseointegration process. Your bone will need to grow around the implant to set it in place.
The process can take time. During the first six weeks after your procedure, try not to put too much pressure on your implants. If the implants fail, you’ll need to start again.
Instead, remain patient. Review the instructions you receive after the procedure, too.
7. Not Reporting Problems
It’s not enough to follow your dental implant maintenance plan. If you experience pain and discomfort, let your dentist know right away. For example, you might notice swelling or bleeding after the procedure.
Usually, these issues resolve themselves after a few days. If you continue experiencing problems, however, don’t wait. Instead, contact your dentist for additional instructions.
Have a professional take a look to ensure there aren’t any problems with your implants.
Brush Up: 7 Dental Implant Mistakes You Need to Avoid
Avoid these dental implant mistakes after your procedure. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure you make the best choice for your smile. Improve your overall oral health and experience the benefits of dental implants today!
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