Several years ago I decided to take a trip to the dentist after skipping multiple appointments for over 15 years. I truly had a dental anxiety and had a hard time getting over my fears. Thankfully, my dental visit went smoothly with only four cavities identified. What I did find from this dental visit was that there was a great deal of new information and technology that I had been missing out on. Laser-based technology and digital imaging are just a few examples. With this blog, I want you to understand that you can get over your fears and learn about this new technology like I did, so enjoy the information.
If you've got dental implants, you already know how great it feels to have your smile back. But like any other dental appliance, sometimes implants need to be checked out for maintenance and repair.
Here are a few times when you might want to consider getting your implants looked at by a professional.
Pain or Discomfort in the Mouth
If your implant starts causing pain or discomfort, it's time to get a professional opinion. This could be a sign of something as simple as the implant not being properly fitted, or it could be something more serious like an infection.
For some people, it can be difficult to tell if the discomfort is coming from the implant or something else, so it's best to get checked out as soon as possible. Your dentist can closely examine the implant and the surrounding area to identify the source of the discomfort. They might use imaging tests like X-rays to get a better look to help them figure out what's going on.
Appearance Changes or Damage
In addition to pain or discomfort in the mouth, any changes in the appearance of your dental implants should also be addressed. This could involve anything from discoloration or staining on the crown of the implant to visible damage on the abutment that holds the crown in place.
Any signs of wear and tear indicate that it's time for an inspection so that any necessary repairs can be made quickly. The damage could result from trauma to the area or simply due to regular usage over time.
It's also important to keep an eye out for any broken hardware associated with your dental implant. If you notice any pieces missing, then this is an indication that something has gone wrong and needs attention right away.
Even if nothing seems amiss right now, put together a plan of action with your dentist just in case something does happen later. This way, you'll know exactly what steps need to be taken if a part breaks off in the future.
Gum Disease or Infection
Finally, gum disease or infection are two other common reasons for needing an inspection of your dental implants. If you notice any redness around the area where your implant is located, then this could be indicative of either issue. The issue should definitely not be ignored since both can cause serious problems if left untreated for too long.
Gum disease, for instance, can lead to bone and tissue loss in the area, which could result in the implant becoming loose or even falling out. An infection can also lead to complications since it could spread to other areas of the mouth and cause even more damage.
Make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible so they can determine whether there is indeed a problem. They will develop an appropriate treatment plan if they discover an anomaly. Contact a company like Total Dentistry to learn more.
Share31 March 2023
