Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Dental Implants

Dental implants are custom-fit, artificial teeth that are connected to your mouth through a screw-like post that serves as a faux root. Implants look like natural teeth. In fact, for many people with badly damaged teeth, getting dental implants gives them a healthier, more vibrant-looking smile than they had after years of tooth decay and other oral health issues.

Dental implants can empower you to be free of many types of dental-related pain and feel comfortable smiling in photos again. When dental implants are optimally cared for, they often last a lifetime.

If you have dental implants, set aside time to follow all your dentist's care instructions every single day. Also, avoid these mistakes when caring for your dental implants.

Ignoring the Need for a Recovery Period

Osseointegration starts once dental implant posts are placed in your jawbone, and it means your jawbone bonds with the surface of the dental implant. It may take several months to complete this process. Recovery times vary and depend on each patient's specific oral health conditions. Everyone who gets dental implants will need to plan for a recovery period.

One of the biggest oral health care mistakes you can make is ignoring your mouth's need for recovery time. Follow your dentist's instructions for caring for your teeth after the implant. Some oozing of blood may occur in the first few days after surgery, so monitor it. Keep gauze sponges on the implants when possible. Contact your dentist if the symptoms are excessive or otherwise concerning.

Thinking That the Implants Will Solve Other Issues

Sometimes dental patients who get implants mistakenly think that it will solve all their other oral health issues. That's not the case at all.

In fact, existing oral health problems can lead to failed implants if they're not also addressed. For example, bruxism can cause implants to fail. If you have problems such as teeth-grinding, talk to your dentist about using a bite plate during healing.

Continuing to Smoke

The detrimental health effects of smoking are well-known and often documented. However, it is an addiction that's hard to break. If you are a smoker, do what you can to stop smoking before getting dental implants. Otherwise, you may set yourself up for a major disappointment.

Smoking increases the risk of getting an infection after dental implant surgery. Also, it may cause your gums to heal at a slower pace. According to the American Dental Association, evidence shows that smoking can compromise healing after patients receive dental implants, and the organization suggests that a patient should stop smoking prior to surgery.

Skipping Follow-Up Appointments

Once some patients have dental implants, they don't see the point in going to follow-up appointments. Don't make that mistake. Without a follow-up appointment, your dentist won't have a chance to spot fixable problems, check on how the implants are performing, or ensure that you're recovering well.

Failing to Have Good Oral Health Care Practices

Patients sometimes assume that they won't need to put much effort into implant care. However, you need to continue to care for your dental implants just as you should for your natural teeth.

Follow your dentist's instructions about how long you should wait after dental implant surgery before brushing your teeth. After that, continue to brush twice each day, floss, and swish with mouthwash. Also, follow any special instructions from your dentist.

When you take the time and make the effort to properly care for your dental implants, they can be one of the best things you have for your oral health. Contact the San Diego Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today to discuss getting dental implants.