Dental implants have proven to be a good tooth replacement option, and depending on your oral care habits, may provide better long-term value than conventional tooth replacement options.
Dental implant surgery, just like other oral procedures, might trigger feelings of anxiety and fear. But with adequate preparation (especially mentally), the process will be smooth-sailing, and your smile will be back in no time.
Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for your surgery:
Ask your dentist a lot of questions
The more information you have about the process, the more prepared and confident you’ll feel leading to the big day. Generally, tooth implant surgeries turn out successfully. But for reassurance, you can ask your dentist about success rates.
You can also ask them about the treatment plan. This takes into account factors, such as how many teeth will need replacement and what kind of anesthetics will be used.
Get your meds in check
Your dentist may schedule the procedure at a later date. They may first provide you with preoperative medicine while you get ready.
They may recommend you to:
- Rinse with a special anti-bacterial mouthwash like chlorhexidine
- Take antibiotics (such as amoxicillin) a few days before the surgery as a preventative measure
Follow eating and drinking guidelines
Your dentist may give you eating and drinking restrictions before the surgery. If you decide to have it with intravenous (IV) sedation, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking three to six hours prior to the surgery. Pills or tablets should be taken with small amounts of water only. Likewise, your dentist may tell you to avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages on the day of the surgery.
If the procedure won’t need IV sedation, have a full breakfast on the day of the surgery. Your dentist may advise you to refrain from eating solid food several hours after the surgery, and to eat soft foods subsequently.
Get ready for recovery
You’ll feel more relaxed knowing you’ll be able to rest and recover smoothly after the surgery. Recovery time can vary depending on the patient. In most cases, there will be minor swelling, mild discomfort and occasional bruising that will last for a few days.
A patient can go back to their normal diet routine usually after 7-10 days. But in some cases, patients may be asked to stick to a soft food diet for up to six weeks after the procedure. Days before the surgery, stock your fridge with soft foods that you’ll be able to eat easily.
Use this time to make an arrangement with someone who can drive you home after the surgery. This is important especially if you’ll be sedated. If you’re going to use local anesthesia, you most likely won’t need company.
With dental implants, you can smile with confidence, enjoy food, as well as brush and floss without any worries. Make sure to prepare accordingly for a worry-free surgery.
If you have questions about tooth implants, our team at Rod W. Gore DDS will be glad to help. Call 480-585-6225 to schedule an appointment today.