I’m wondering if folks here prefer sticking with the dentist’s recommended follow-up schedule (like every few months) or just popping in if there’s pain or something feels off. I’m kinda torn—routine checks seem safer, but they add up in cost and time. What’s worked for you?
After my implants, I tried to follow the dentist’s suggested schedule—every three months at first, then every six. Honestly, I grumbled about the cost, and sometimes it felt like overkill. But a few years back, I skipped a checkup (life got busy, you know how it goes), and I ended up with some gum irritation that I didn’t notice until it got pretty uncomfortable. Turned out it was an easy fix, but my dentist said it could’ve been a bigger deal if I’d let it go longer.
Now, I still wince at the bills, but I figure the regular visits are kind of like insurance—annoying, but way better than dealing with a bigger problem down the line. I totally get the urge to just go when something hurts, though. For me, the peace of mind is worth the hassle, but I know not everyone feels the same.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I used to think the 3-month checkups were just a money grab, but after my brother ignored his for a year and ended up with peri-implantitis, I started taking them more seriously. The cost stings, but skipping can get way pricier fast.
That’s honestly my biggest fear—something going wrong just because I skipped an appointment. I’ve read that even if you brush and floss like a champ, implants can still get infected under the radar. The peace of mind from regular checks is worth it for me, even if my wallet disagrees.
That’s honestly my biggest fear—something going wrong just because I skipped an appointment. I’ve read that even if you brush and floss like a champ, implants can still get infected under the...
I totally get where you’re coming from about the cost and hassle. After I got my implant, my dentist wanted to see me every three months at first, which felt like overkill. I did stick with it for the first year, mostly because I was paranoid after hearing horror stories about infections that sneak up on you. Honestly, nothing ever felt wrong, but at one checkup they spotted a tiny bit of gum irritation I hadn’t noticed—turned out to be nothing, but it did make me glad I didn’t skip.
Now that I’m a couple years out, I just go for my regular cleanings twice a year unless something feels off. But I guess it depends on your comfort level. For me, those early checkups were worth it for peace of mind (even though my insurance barely covered them). I figure once you’re past the healing phase and everything’s stable, it’s probably safe to space them out a bit, but I wouldn’t want to push my luck either. Just my two cents.
