Will you soon receive dental implants to replace your lost teeth? You have every reason to be excited about the road ahead. In the meantime, you might be curious or even a bit nervous about the treatment process in front of you. Many patients are particularly interested in what they can expect from the dental implant surgery. How can you prepare for your procedure in order to have the smoothest, easiest experience possible? This blog post contains some helpful tips.
Be Well-Informed
No two patients have exactly the same surgical plan. Even if you have some friends or acquaintances who have undergone this procedure in the past, you should not expect your experience to be exactly like theirs.
The best way to mentally prepare yourself for the road ahead is to ask questions. Talk to the team who will perform your procedure. Express your concerns and ask about anything that is weighing on your mind. If you have come across conflicting information online, ask your dental team to clear things up. Once you feel well-informed, it will be easier for you to move forward in a confident way.
Prepare for Your Recovery Period
Your surgery will have a temporary impact on your daily routine, so it is important that you prepare to make some adjustments. For example, if your dentist uses sedation, it may take several hours (possibly longer) for the medication to completely wear off. You should not drive or do anything else that might pose a risk of injury during that time.
You will also need to eat a soft diet, so before your surgery, you can stock up on things like soup, eggs, applesauce, and any other foods that are easy to eat.
Additionally, you should prepare to get lots of rest. Do not hesitate to ask your partner or other family members to prepare to temporarily take responsibility for some of your usual chores.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for dental implant failure, especially if you do it too close to the time of your surgery. It is best to stop using cigarettes at least 1 – 2 weeks before your procedure and continue to abstain for at least a couple of months afterward. Some patients use nicotine patches to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Follow Pre-Op Instructions
Depending on the details of your treatment plan, your dentist might require you to follow some specific pre-op instructions. For example, some patients need to take antibiotics. Depending on the type of sedation that will be used during your procedure, you might need to fast for several hours prior to your appointment. Strictly following such directions can increase the chances of a successful surgery and minimize the risk of complications.
If you are a bit nervous about your dental implant surgery, that is completely understandable. Use the tips in this article to be well-prepared for this important part of your tooth replacement journey.
Meet the Practice
At Aveni Dental Professionals, our team is proud to offer comprehensive dental implant services, including the placement surgery. If you have questions about this procedure or believe you are ready to schedule a consultation, we would be happy to speak with you. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our office at 508-217-7454.