How To Prepare For Dental Implant Surgery

Getting dental implant surgery? Here is what you need to know to make the experience as enjoyable and successful as possible.

Mind Your Meds

It’s important to let your dentist or oral surgeon know about any medications you are currently taking. And if you tend to experience side effects with pain medication, be sure to let your dentist know that as well. It’s also a good idea to discuss any medical conditions or previous surgeries you may had had as well. Certain heart conditions and orthopedic implants may affect dental implant surgery and antibiotics can be described to prevent infection.

Follow Eating/Drinking Guidelines

Ask your dentist if they are any specific eating or drinking restrictions before surgery. If you will be receiving IV or general anesthesia, they will probably ask you to refrain from eating or drinking for several hours beforehand. Or if you will be having surgery in the morning, you will be asked to refrain from eating at midnight the night before. This is to minimize the chance of aspiration.

Stock Up On Soft Foods

Get your fridge full of soft foods to eat post procedure. One of the most important things you can do to make sure your dental implant is successful and heals properly is to not put any unnecessary pressure on your implant and implant site. Soup, yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes and oatmeal are all good options.

Expect Post-Surgery Discomfort

After your surgery, it is normal to experience some moderate swelling, bruising, pain or bleeding. Monitor these symptoms and if they become unbearable or worsen as time goes on, call your dentist’s office. Some discomfort is to be expected but it should manageable with prescribed pain killers.

Designate Your Driver

Because you will be sedated for surgery, arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from your procedure. If possible, have them pick up your prescriptions along the way, too.

Rest Is Best

Take it easy! Don’t make any plans and clear your to-do list for a few days after surgery. Your only appointment should be with Netflix. Healing is crucial for a successful dental implant. The osseointegration (when the bone attaches to the implant and grows around it) process is aided by a healthy body and healthy immune system. The process of getting a dental implant is complicated and expensive, don’t jeopardize it by ignoring doctor’s orders.

Other Handy Tips

• Grab some gauze at your drugstore and use it to soak up any bleeding.
• Put a few ice packs in the freezer before your appointment. A bag of frozen peas works great too!
• Ask your doctor to prescribe an anti-bacterial mouthwash, such as chlorhexidine, for after the procedure.