Getting dental implants is a big procedure and requires time, money, and commitment. When you go to all that effort, you want to know it will work the way it’s supposed to. No medical or dental procedure works 100 percent of the time, but many of the most common problems are avoidable.
If you’re considering dental implants, make sure you know how to avoid the most frequent complications.
Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants, although the vast majority of people are. You may not have enough bone density left in your jaw for successful implants. It’s possible you’re on a medication that will interfere with the typical sedation or anesthesia used. You may need to let other procedures heal first. Not telling your dentist about your full medical history and health can lead to potentially bad outcomes with your dental implants.
This one is easier said than done, but if you need another reason to stop smoking, your dental implants are a good one. Smokers have a higher rate of implant failure than non-smokers. Taking the time to quit before seeking dental implants can improve the outcome of the procedure in multiple ways. If quitting before the procedure wasn’t an option, try to stop smoking once your implants are in. This will help you keep them in good condition for as long as possible.
Some problems with your dental implants happen after your procedure. A sinus infection can cause pain and misery. Excessive bleeding and pain may occur if the surrounding tissue doesn’t heal properly. Letting your dentist know as soon as you experience a problem can help you get back on the road to recovery sooner rather than later. The longer an infection lasts or you experience bleeding or pain, the harder it will be for your implants to heal.
While your dental implants heal and after they’ve fused to your jawbone, take greater care with your face. Avoiding contact sports is a good idea after your implants are inserted. If you get into an accident or have an unfortunate incident with a fist or a ball, contact your dentist immediately. It’s possible they can fix a small problem with your dental implants before it becomes a big and expensive problem.
Follow your dentist’s instructions about how to care for your implants immediately after the procedure and over the long-term. Once your dental implants have healed and you get the go-ahead from your dentist, brush your teeth as you normally would. Maintaining good dental hygiene will go a long way in keeping your implants functional for a long time. If you neglect your oral hygiene, post-procedure or over the long term, you increase the likelihood of failure and even infection of the gums. You’ll experience pain and problems with your implants.
Make sure you work with a qualified dentist for your dental implant procedure. An inexperienced or careless dentist can cause any number of problems. If an implant is placed too close to a nerve, you may experience pain and nerve damage. Dental implants inserted into the wrong position make it likely that the titanium rod won’t bond to your jawbone leading to failure. Ask about the experience your dentist has with dental implants before you schedule a procedure.
Losing a tooth or needing to replace multiple teeth can be stressful for many people. It’s understandable that you want the procedure done as soon as possible. Be patient. You want any infections or other health problems to have time to clear up before you get your dental implants. Once the procedure is done, stay in communication with your dentist and have the patience for the healing process. It can take several months for the rod to fully fuse with your bone. Rushing the procedure or your healing can lead to problems later.
No dental procedure is 100 percent foolproof, but there are things both patients and dentists can do to minimize problems. Dental implants have become the standard for tooth replacement over the years. As a result, they’re safer, better, and last longer than in years past. In order to have a good outcome, work with your dentist to make sure they have all the information they need about your medical history and health and what’s happening post-procedure. Together, you can make sure you avoid the most common problems with your dental implants.
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