There are several benefits to dental implants, including that the implants will last a lifetime, can help prevent future tooth loss, and can help keep the surrounding teeth stable and in place. For these reasons and several others, you have decided to undergo dental implant surgery. Proper preparation will help ensure you are ready for the procedure and the surgery is successful. Here are a few simple tips to help you prepare for your dental implant procedure.
Determine If You Are a Good Candidate for Dental Implants
Before you can receive dental implants, your dentist will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. If you have healthy teeth and gums, you will typically be a great candidate for dental implants. Individuals who will need to be evaluated further are those with severe gum disease or severe tooth decay and those who have certain chronic illnesses, such as diabetes.
Stock Up on the Right Foods and Beverages
You will feel some discomfort for the first few days and so you will need to adjust your diet to prevent further pain. Additionally, you will need to exclude foods and beverages that can damage your new implants. For the first one to two days after your procedure, drink fruit smoothies and consume soft foods, such as apple sauce, gelatin, and soup.
After a few weeks, you can begin to incorporate other foods into your diet, such as eggs, potatoes, chicken, fish, and cheeses. Do not return to your normal diet until you are given the okay by your dentist.
Take Your Preoperative Antibiotics
Your dentist might prescribe preoperative antibiotics, which will help prevent infection during the procedure. Take the antibiotics according to your dentist's instructions. Additionally, your dentist might ask you to discontinue some medications before the procedure, including some OTC medications, such as ibuprofen. This medication can thin the blood and lead to excessive bleeding during the surgery.
Arrange For a Ride Home
Depending upon the nature of your procedure or your preference, you will be given some sort of sedation during the procedure. You will need someone to give you a ride home from the procedure and run any errands that you might need, including obtaining any prescription medications. Ask this person to stay with you for the first few hours after the procedure, as well.
Alter Your Work Schedule
Finally, inform your employer about your procedure and ask for the day of the procedure and the next day off. This will allow you time to recover at home.
From scheduling a ride home to taking your preoperative antibiotics, there are several things you will need to do to prepare for your dental implant procedure.
Share18 November 2021
Do you care for your teeth like you should? Most people brush their teeth, but so many people rush through this process and are not as careful as they should be. Still others avoid flossing. A lack of dental care over the years can lead to increased decay. Thankfully, we have dentists who can treat decay with fillings, crowns, and in some cases, root canals. Dentists also provide preventative care. They can clean your teeth and use things like fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel. The more you know about dental care, the better you'll be able to care for your mouth, so feel free to read some of the articles on this website.