5 Common Dental Implant Mistakes To Avoid
Missing teeth can lower your self-confidence and make it more difficult to speak and chew. Fortunately, you have the opportunity to get dental implants. These implants look completely natural and can last a lifetime. However, in order for you to get the most from your dental implants, you have to use them properly.
Here are some common mistakes you should avoid with your dental implants.
1. Opting Out of Bone Grafting
Dental implants can't go through osseointegration if your jawbone is too soft. That is why it is necessary to go through bone grafting before your procedure. During this process, your dentist will transport bone cells from other parts of your body into your jawbone.
2. Failing to Follow Your Dentist's Aftercare Instructions
Although dental implant surgery might not seem like a big deal, it is still a surgical procedure. To ensure a smooth recovery, you should carefully follow your dentist's aftercare instructions. For example, your dentist may advise you to avoid eating hard foods for a few days and be extra careful when brushing your teeth. They may also ask for you to get plenty of rest and stop smoking.
3. Not Following Proper Oral Hygiene
Even though your dental implants are not real teeth, you still have to take care of them properly. Brush and floss your teeth like normal and avoid biting down on hard objects. Visit the dentist twice a year to make sure your implants are in good shape. They can thoroughly inspect your implants during your visits.
4. Brushing with a Hard Bristle Toothbrush
If you are used to brushing your teeth with a hard bristle toothbrush, it is time to make some changes immediately. Hard bristles can scratch your implants and damage them. Always use a soft bristle toothbrush to brush your implants.
5. Smoking
If you are a smoker, you should seriously think about quitting before getting dental implants. It turns out that smoking tobacco can negatively affect many parts of your body, including dental implants. Dental implant failure is much higher among smokers than non-smokers.
If you can't quit smoking on your own, you should ask your doctor for tips and advice.
If you avoid making these common mistakes, you can maintain your dental implants for a long time. If you have additional questions about your dental implants, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist as soon as possible.
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