Have you decided to get dental implants to rebuild your missing teeth? You have an exciting journey in front of you! Before your treatment gets started, though, you might be curious about the road ahead. What can you do to prepare for the dental implant surgery so it is as easy and low-stress as possible? This blog post contains some practical tips.
Be Well-Informed
Dental implant surgery varies a bit from case to case. After all, your mouth is unique, so your procedure should be too!
During the planning stages of your treatment, do not hesitate to ask questions about what exactly will happen during your procedure. For example, you can ask how many implants you need, whether you will require a bone graft, and what you can expect during the healing period. If you have any concerns, speak up about them as well. Your dental team should be happy to help you reach the point where you feel well-informed and confident.
Prepare for Your Recovery Period
You can expect your surgery to temporarily affect your normal routine, so you should prepare to adjust some of your daily activities. For example, you can head to the grocery store and stock up on some soft foods, since you may not be able to chew normally for a few days or even weeks after your surgery. You will also need to avoid strenuous physical activity for a while; talk with your family so they can prepare to take over some of your usual chores.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for dental implant failure. It is especially dangerous if you smoke too close to the time of your surgery. Try to stop using cigarettes about two weeks prior to your procedure, and continue to stay away from them for at least a few months afterward. If you are concerned about withdrawal symptoms, you might choose to use a nicotine patch.
Follow Pre-Op Instructions
Your dental team is likely to give you pre-op instructions that are tailored to your unique treatment plan. For example, some patients may need to take a course of antibiotics, while others are required to fast for at least several hours before their surgery (particularly if sedation will be used). Strictly follow such directions in order to minimize the risk of complications during your procedure.
If you are a bit nervous about dental implant surgery, that is completely understandable. Use the tips in this blog post to prepare for your procedure and make it as easy as possible.
Meet the Practice
The experienced, highly skilled team at Gillis Dental is proud to offer complete dental implant treatment. If you are thinking about getting this form of tooth replacement and are curious about what it involves, we would love to answer your questions. To request a consultation or learn more about us, contact our Needham office at 781-202-6357.