Did you know that around 3 million people in the United States have dental implants? In comparison to other restorative therapies, implants provide unsurpassed comfort and stability following tooth loss. Preventing dental implant care errors is the greatest approach to avoiding unwanted issues after implant surgery. You may reap the perks of implants for the rest of your life if you maintain them properly.
Read on to learn more about some dental implant care mistakes and how you should avoid them.
1. Not Knowing the Right Dental Implant Care Routine
Just like natural teeth, dental implants need routine care.
Tartar can build up if you do not care for your dental implant. This can result in the development of gum disease. When the gum is disturbed, it can’t support an implant.
Thus, you must maintain proper oral hygiene that includes; brushing and flossing your teeth. By practicing good oral hygiene, you will be able to extend your dental implant lifespan.
A dental implant can last for three decades if you maintain proper oral hygiene. Thus, always brush at least twice a day, floss once a day, and use an antibacterial mouthwash.
Additionally, depending on the types of implants you have, you may need to use a floss threader that removes buildup and keeps gum healthy.
2. Biting Hard Objects
Though dental implants are strong, their lifespan can also be limited by circumstances such as chewing hard objects. Like natural teeth, dental implants crack and get damaged in some situations, which include:
• Chewing hard substances like sweets or ice
• Using teeth to open bottles or plastic packaging
Though dental implants are strong to withstand pressure, their use should only be limited to chewing food. If you use your teeth as a tool, you risk damaging the gum and limiting the implant’s lifespan.
If your implant is damaged, the only option is a dental implant replacement.
3. Skipping Dental Checkup
You may be tempted to think that your work is over after the implant is surgically placed.
However, you must schedule bi-annual check-ups for the long-term success of the implants. During the dental implant appointment, your dentist will examine all your teeth, gum, and jaw bones and ensure that there are no infections.
Additionally, cleaning dental implants during check-ups removes plaque, tartar, and other material that may erode your prosthetic. Though dental implants rarely fail, check-ups can diagnose issues that may cause your implants to fail.
4. Failing to Report Discomfort
After dental surgery, you should follow all the instructions, including taking medications.
Often, the discomfort lasts 3 to 5 days. However, you may still have swelling and jaw stiffness which can last up to 10 days after the surgery.
If the pain and discomfort persist, it may indicate you need additional medical care. Sometimes, the implant might be improperly fitted, which means it isn’t fusing to the bone correctly. Also, if an infection occurs, it might prevent tissues from healing.
Implant failure may also occur months or years after undergoing the procedure and thus causing pain. Some of the signs of possible implant failure may include; bone loss, inflammation, or a horizontal movement of the implant.
5. Detrimental Lifestyle Options
Some lifestyle choices like heavy smoking or excessive drinking can affect the lifespan of an implant, especially after undergoing implant treatment.
First, the treated areas need sufficient blood flow to heal. However, substances like nicotine can affect blood oxygen levels, slowing the healing process.
Additionally, smoking increases plaque formation, which will cause gum disease if not treated. This will, in turn, increase the risk of infection.
On the other hand, alcohol consumption causes dehydration, meaning the tissues holding the implants can dry out and thus fail to heal correctly. Thus, after having an implant, you should avoid taking alcohol or smoking for at least 72 hours.
6. Grinding Teeth With Excessive Force
Teeth function differently depending on the type and the position of their placement.
For instance, back teeth are primarily for chewing food and are often under pressure. But when you think about implants, excessive teeth grinding can affect their lifespan.
Clenching your jaw constantly with excessive force affects both natural teeth and implants, causing them to chip or crack.
Additionally, clenching and grinding of the jaw can prolong the healing of a dental implant. In some situations, the jaw bone may even reject the implant. Thus, you should avoid constantly grinding your jaw to prevent teeth damage.
You can also speak to your dentist about your condition before undergoing dental implant treatment.
7. Playing Contact Sports
You should avoid playing contact sports, for it can affect the health of your implants.
Other sports are safe as they require a mouth guard as a form of protection. Contact sports, especially in the first six months of your dental implant recovery, can interfere with the healing of the jaw.
If you don’t want dental emergencies, you must know safe sports to play.
Avoid the Above Dental Implant Care Mistakes
Do you want your implant to last? Then, you should avoid dental implant care mistakes. Know the proper routine care for your teeth and avoid using teeth as a tool. You should also schedule regular dental check-ups, avoid detrimental lifestyles, report any issues with your teeth, and avoid grinding.
Are you looking for dentistry services in greater Los Angeles, CA?
Brentwood Dental Spa offers excellent dentistry services: cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, teeth whitening, implant, oral surgery, and full mouth reconstruction. Our goal is to help you achieve a perfect smile.
Contact us today to request an appointment.