Dental implants can provide you with comprehensive restoration for your smile in the wake of tooth loss. They replace teeth both above and below the gumline, enhancing the appearance, function, and health of your smile.
A dentist will evaluate your oral health to ensure you qualify for this treatment. But even with approval, you will need to take proper care of your smile and dental work to avoid complications. Though the risk is low, a dental implant might fail if you are not careful.
A failing implant will require urgent removal by your dentist. So take precautions to avoid this dental emergency and maximize the benefits of your implants. Read on to find advice from your dentist to best prevent the failure of your new dental implants.
Get the Most Out of Your New Dental Implants
Follow the Instructions from Your Dentist
Receiving dental implants to replace missing teeth involves a multi-step process. You will attend three or more appointments over the course of several months, and for the best success, you should adhere to the aftercare guidelines they provide you after each step.
For instance, once approved for this tooth replacement treatment, you will undergo oral surgery to receive titanium post anchors in your jaw. These surgical sites will need to heal for six months or so, and as they do, the anchors fuse with the jawbone to create a solid foundation for dental prosthetics.
Make sure you treat these sites gently during this time, but you should still keep them clean to avoid infection. You will receive pain management recommendations from your dentist to minimize discomfort during this period. If you do feel extreme pain, this could mean the implant is failing.
Call your dentist right away if you suspect you have a failing dental implant. This will require prompt dental intervention to avoid damaging the rest of your smile.
When you receive the prosthetic teeth attached to the anchors once they heal, this will involve a less invasive procedure. Some patients need time to get used to the feeling of the implants, but you should not expect pain. Again, severe pain may point to dental implant failure.
The dentist will also tell you how to care for your dental implants after receiving them successfully. These fixtures do not require extra maintenance, but you should still maintain them along with the rest of your smile for optimal results.
Continue Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Durable dental implants will not need more care than your usual oral hygiene regimen. They resist stains and decay for long-lasting benefits, but they still garner plaque and bacteria that could impact your oral health. Dental problems like gum disease or cavities may affect your smile and therefore the fit of your implants, so prevent these issues with good oral hygiene.
Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and attend regular cleanings at your dentist’s office. Your dentist may suggest special brushes, flossers, or rinses that can enhance this regimen to maximize preventative dental care, especially for implants.