There are several things that you can do to ensure that both the insertion and the subsequent fusing of your dental implant go as planned. Read on to learn more.

Tell your dentist about any allergic reactions you have had to metals in the past

When you first tell your dentist that you want a dental implant, you should inform them about any allergic reactions you have had to specific metals in the past. This is important because most dentists use titanium dental implants in their clinics.

One of the many reasons they opt for implants made from titanium is that it is very unusual for anyone to have an allergic reaction to this metal. However, whilst highly unusual, it is not impossible for someone's body to react negatively to titanium implants. If you have ever suffered an allergic reaction to this metal (for example, if you developed an itchy rash on your finger after wearing a titanium ring), then you should tell the dentist about this. They may then look for a supplier who can provide them with an alternative type of implant that is made from a substance that will not cause a reaction when it is inserted.

If you simply let them fit the titanium implant and hope that it doesn't cause problems, you could experience an allergic reaction (which may include swelling, as well as severe and painful irritation of the tissue where the implant was fitted). This may then lead to your dentist having to extract the implant. If this happens, you may have to wait a few months for the damage caused by the allergic reaction to heal before getting a new implant made from a different material fitted.

Don't brush the site of the insertion too much whilst it's still raw

It is normal for the gum tissue around the socket where a dentist fits an implant to be raw and sore for up to a week. Whilst it is very important to keep this area clean during this period (as this is when the tissues will be most vulnerable to infection), you should not try to do this by brushing the site of the insertion with your toothbrush.

Doing this will irritate the raw gum tissue, which may leave you in pain for several extra days. Furthermore, if you take a vigorous approach to brushing your teeth, you might unintentionally push the implant out of its original position. Whilst it is unlikely to fall out, you may have to get the dentist to reposition it in order to ensure that it is at the correct angle when your bone starts to fuse around it (as otherwise, the permanent crown that is later put on top of it might not align with the adjacent teeth).

Instead, you should brush the rest of your teeth as you normally would and then rinse your mouth with a mouthwash that has some type of disinfectant agent in it to ensure that the raw tissues are kept free from infection-inducing bacteria.