Dental implants have quickly become a popular option for tooth replacement, allowing you to fill the gaps in your smile with prosthetics that form a strong, stable bond with the jawbone. Unlike other restorations, however, implants need to be placed via a simple surgical procedure. The treatment is relatively simple compared to other kinds of oral surgery, but you’ll still want to be as prepared as possible to make sure that it’s a success. Below are 4 tips that you’ll want to keep in mind when getting ready for dental implant surgery.
1. Ask Any Questions You Have Ahead of Time
When you meet the dentist or oral surgeon who will be placing your implants, you will have a chance to voice any questions or concerns you might have about the procedure. There’s no such thing as a question that’s too insignificant; you should be as well-informed as possible before you completely commit to the surgery, so seize the opportunity to ask about what you can expect and how you should prepare.
2. Start Rinsing with Antibacterial Mouthwash
Healthy gums are an absolute must for dental implant surgery. Even if your dentist didn’t find any signs of gum disease during your initial dental implant consultation, you still need to take care to make sure that no new infections form before your surgery. A good way to do that is to make antibacterial mouthwash a regular part of your oral hygiene routine; it helps get rid of the bacteria that you missed with your toothbrush.
3. Follow Your Pre-Op Instructions Carefully
You will be given pre-op instructions based on the specifics of your treatment. For example, if you’re planning on receiving IV sedation during your surgery, you’ll need to avoid eating or drinking anything for a certain amount of time beforehand; otherwise, it could lead to complications. Let your dentist or oral surgeon know right away if you don’t fully understand the instructions you’ve been given.
4. Plan Ahead for After the Surgery
If sedation is used during implant surgery, you won’t be able to drive by yourself until you’ve recovered. You should therefore ask a friend or family member to bring you to your appointment and take you home when you’re done. Also, since you won’t be able to eat harder meals while your mouth is healing, you should stock up on soft foods that require little to no chewing. Your dentist or oral surgeon can give you further advice on how to get ready for the post-surgical phase.
By following the above tips (and asking about anything else you might want to know about the process), you can approach your dental implant surgery with full confidence and start looking forward to the newly restored smile that you’ll be able to enjoy afterwards.
About the Author
Dr. Minh-Phuong Bui received her Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. After graduating from dental school, she’s attended many conferences and continuing education courses that covered the newest technologies in implant dentistry as well as a wide variety of other topics. If you are thinking about getting dental implants, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Bui at Southeastern Dental Care in Lakeville by visiting her website or calling (508) 947-5717.