5 Common Post-implant Care Mistakes to Avoid

Dental implants are a safe and effective treatment for severely damaged or missing teeth. They can help to protect the patient’s oral health. Dental professionals suggest about three million people in the country have implants, and the number continues to grow annually. Ensuring the implant site heals well is vital for quick recovery. With good care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Not Following Post-care Instructions

You will receive post-care instructions after the procedure. Taking care of the implants can quicken the recovery process and help prevent excess bleeding and infections. A common mistake that many patients make is deviating from their aftercare plans. The instructions change from week to week, and it is essential to follow them to avoid problems. Do not hesitate to contact your dentist if you have any questions.

Disturbing the Implant Site

Many patients experience excessive bleeding after the dental implant procedure. It is usually caused by disturbing the implant location. To heal effectively, the site needs to form a blood clot. Dislodging the clot reopens the healing tissue, which causes bleeding.

You should avoid touching or poking the implant or the surrounding tissue. Avoid using straws, and gently rinse your mouth using a saline solution or mouthwash. Avoid eating hard foods during recovery, and remember to stay well-hydrated.

Ignoring Good Oral Hygiene

Failing to maintain good oral hygiene can impact your oral health and affect the life of your implants. Dental implants do not decay or get cavities, but good oral hygiene is essential to protect the teeth and gums.

When food particles and bacteria build up around the implant site, it can cause dental implant failure. Plaque can irritate the gums, causing infection. You must continue to brush, floss, and use mouthwash daily after you get implants. Your dentist can recommend the best oral hygiene products for implants.

Skipping Dental Appointments

Getting dental implants does not mean the end of regular visits to the dentist. A common mistake many people make is failing to get regular dental checkups after getting implants. After the implant installation, you will need to schedule follow-up appointments.

They allow the dentist to assess the healing process and clean the implants. Dental cleaning is essential because professionals use tools and techniques that remove plaque that is difficult to reach at home. Regular dental visits help to maintain good oral hygiene.

Smoking / Using Tobacco Products

Other mistakes that people make include smoking before the implant site heals. Smoking can dislodge the blood clot on the site. It can also damage the implant and surrounding tissue, increasing the risk of infection and implant failure.

Smoking weakens the immune system, makes it difficult for medications to work, and slows down the recovery process. If you smoke, you need to quit several weeks before the implant procedure. Several techniques can help you stop the habit.

Take your medications as prescribed after the implant procedure. Failing to fill your prescriptions may delay or disrupt the recovery process. Contact your dentist if you have concerns, such as:

• Severe pain or discomfort
   

• Excessive bleeding
   

• Swelling
   

• Allergic reactions

You need professional care if you notice gum recession around the implant site or if your implant is shifting or feels loose.

For more on common post-implant care mistakes to avoid, visit Obeng Family Dental at our office in Port Orange, Florida. Call (386) 761-9440 to book an appointment today