A few years ago, I realized that I was thinking about dental care all wrong. Instead of listening carefully to my dentist and making the necessary changes, I assumed that he was ultimately responsible for making sure that my teeth stayed healthy. Unfortunately, I developed a few serious cavities because I failed to properly brush and floss my teeth, and I knew that it was my fault. I decided to start taking notes at my dental checkups and carefully abiding by the dentist's orders. The difference was almost miraculous. This blog is all about working with your dentist to improve your result.
-
How to Prepare for a Dental Checkup 20 March 2024
-
The Importance of Emergency Dental Services 30 January 2024
-
How to Book a Dentist for Dental Implants 26 December 2023
-
Invisalign: The Clear Path to a Perfect Smile and Why It's Worth It 20 November 2023
Working With My Dentist
How To Protect Your Broken Implant As You Wait For Your Appointment
Siiri Puro
If you have started having problems with your dental implant, from a cracked crown to a broken or mobile implant screw, those hours between finding out you need help and actually getting to the dentist to fix the problem can seem longer than they really are. A damaged implant can create a number of secondary problems, such as cuts on your inner lip and pain. To protect the implant and the area around it, follow these tips.
No Straws, No Chewing, and Try for No Drinking
Try to avoid eating or drinking anything before your appointment. Don't dehydrate or starve yourself, of course; if the appointment won't be for several hours, sip water only, very slowly, and try to eat only what is necessary, chewing on the side of the mouth that doesn't have the broken implant. Avoid using straws; they can create enough suction inside your mouth to further hurt the implant site. If you have to eat something, try to avoid messy foods that tend to spread around your mouth when you chew.
Generic Dental Cement
Try not to leave the broken implant open to whatever is in your mouth. That can increase pain at the implant site and possibly injure surrounding areas, if there are rough patches on the crown. You can buy temporary dental cement over the counter in a lot of drug stores and use a small bit to cover rough spots, cracks, and chips. Keep in mind, though, that this is not a permanent solution, and you should not use it as a long-term fix in place of seeing a dentist to have the implant restored.
Clove Oil
If the broken implant is actually causing you some pain, a little clove oil could work to reduce the pain. You'll be less likely to unconsciously clench your jaw, which can further harm the implant and the surrounding teeth, if you can reduce the pain. You might not want to use aspirin or ibuprofen if there's any bleeding, though, as those can thin your blood and make it harder for the clotting process to take place.
Most important is to make an appointment to have the implant at least looked at, if not restored then and there, as soon as possible. Even if the problem seems minor, it could hide a much larger issue that could become severe without intervention. Dental implants are tough, but if something appears to be going wrong, it shouldn't be ignored. Contact a dentist to look at the implant as soon as possible. For more information, contact a dental clinic like Tijeras Dental Service.
Share