Having dental implants is one of the best ways to restore your smile and confidence after tooth loss. The problem with restorative procedures is that they require regular maintenance. Initially, this may seem like a chore, but good dental care habits can pay off in the long run.
X-rays, teeth cleaning, and tooth repair all require regular appointments with the dentist to maintain good health. Fortunately, you can still schedule these appointments around your regular check-ups without any problems. The bigger concern is maintaining proper dental implant maintenance on your own.
Here are the common mistakes in dental implant maintenance and how to avoid them.
1. Disturbing the Area
To avoid these mistakes, it is essential to follow the instructions provided by your dentist thoroughly. For instance, it is important to brush carefully around the implant area, use a soft-bristled gum brush, and floss gently with a specific floss designed for use around implants.
Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause damage to the implant while flossing incorrectly can cause inflammation of the gum tissue.
2. Not Setting a Maintenance Routine
Not setting an implant maintenance routine is a common mistake that can lead to decreased effectiveness and increased risk of damage or infection.
This can include not frequenting a dentist and not cleaning the implant regularly. To avoid these mistakes, finding a dentist you trust is important. Make sure you attend your dental implant appointment accordingly.
3. Forgetting Your Medication
Missing a dose or not taking the correct dosage can lead to serious issues with your dental implant. These include infection, bone deterioration, implant failure, and damage to the surrounding teeth and tissue.
To avoid all these potential problems, make sure to follow the instructions given to you by your dentist and make sure to take your medications as prescribed. Have an organized system, and set alarms and reminders such as emails or text messages to ensure you haven’t forgotten them.
4. Starting With Hard Foods
Starting with hard foods can create common mistakes in dental implant maintenance. Hard food can increase the tension on the implant, causing a fracture or unsuccessful integration.
To avoid this, eat softer foods such as applesauce, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and steamed vegetables. If the foods cannot be mashed with a fork, they should be cut into small pieces.
5. Unhealthy Habits
Unhealthy habits, such as smoking and chewing tobacco, can cause dental implants to become vulnerable to infection and should be avoided. A good rule of thumb is to avoid particularly aggressive or hard oral activities for the first few months after the implant is inserted.
6. Grinding or Biting Hard Objects
These hard objects can potentially cause damage to the implants, leading to a host of issues, including pain, infection, and even complete failure. To avoid this, it is important to be mindful of what you put in your mouth. Avoid any hard objects, such as hard candy, ice, or popcorn kernels.
Get insights into dental implants today to start with your maintenance and avoid these common mistakes.
Explore These Mistakes in Dental Implant Maintenance
Though it is important to take note of these mistakes in dental implant maintenance, it does not need to be intimidating.
With proper knowledge, regular cleaning and check-ups, and following the instructions given to you by your dental professional, you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. Visit a qualified dental professional to get started!
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