How To Prepare For Your Dental Implant Surgery

How To Prepare For Your Dental Implant Surgery

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How To Prepare For Your Dental Implant Surgery

how to prepare for your dental implant surgery wall township

More and more people prefer dental implants to replace absent teeth. In the U.S. alone, there are about 3 million people who have implants. And, another 500,000 will be having implants each year. [1] Whether you are already scheduled for the procedure or you’re still considering getting one, we’ve listed important things that would show you how to prepare for your dental implant surgery.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a type of restorative treatment used to replace missing teeth permanently. They are designed to mimic natural teeth by fusing to your jawbone to have a strong and fixed foundation. Implants are preferred by a majority of patients, and they are also highly recommended by dentists. Implants are also safe and effective. In fact, implant surgery has a 98% success rate. [2]

When a bone graft is needed

Part of the dental implant procedure is to check if you need bone grafting. This is because bone loss happens when your tooth has been missing for too long. Bone grafting helps you to have enough bone to support and grow around the implant. It makes dental implants more effective and last longer.

Preparing for your dental implant surgery

Getting single or multiple implants is a big decision to make. And because the dental implants involve oral surgery, it can also take several months to finish the treatment. Here are some ways you to ensure and prepare that your procedure will go smoothly:

Consult your dentist

A consultation with your implant dentist will be the first step you’d want to take, so you can be properly evaluated if the procedure is right for you. A comprehensive dental exam including 3D scans and x-rays will be done by your dentist to assess the health of your teeth and jawbone.

Prepare your medical and dental records

Your dentist will review your dental or medical history to create a proper treatment plan according to your needs. Your dentist will take into consideration factors such as your smoking and drinking habits, current prescription medications that you’re taking, if you have any allergies, or if you have enough bone for the procedure.

Schedule the best time for your appointment

Once your dentist has evaluated you to be in good health for the procedure, you will be scheduled for dental implant surgery. It’s good to pick a schedule that will help you to rest after the surgery. While some patients can feel well enough to work the next day, other patients may feel better when they can rest for a day or two post-surgery.

Check if medications are prescribed by your dentist

If necessary, your dentist may recommend you to take antibiotics before your treatment to avoid infection. Your dentist may also recommend you gargle with an anti-bacterial mouthwash. If you were prescribed medications, make sure that you’re able to take them before you come in for your appointment.

Ask your dentist about anesthesia

If you are worried about the pain, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist beforehand about your options. If you are anxious, you may ask your dentist if sedation is possible during the treatment. Your dentist should be able to help decide what anesthesia option is best for you. 

Determine when you are allowed to eat or drink

Whether your dentist will use local anesthesia, IV sedation, or another type, he will give you instructions about when you are allowed to eat or drink. Confirm with him if you are allowed to eat a light meal or not eat anything at all a few hours before the procedure.

Confirm if someone should drive and pick you up from the dental office if needed

If you will be sedated during the treatment, you may need someone to be with you during and after the appointment.

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol

Smoking and drinking alcohol can negatively affect the success of the treatment. They can also affect your healing from the surgery. So, it will be helpful for you to quit smoking or drinking too much alcohol before and after the procedure. 

Get the right amount of sleep

Before the day of your appointment, make sure that your body is well-rested by getting a good night’s sleep. Getting plenty of rest will help your body prepare for the surgery.

What to expect post-surgery

It’s normal to feel soreness, swelling, or slight bleeding in the area after your surgery. This will subside after a few days, and you will feel normal again after a few weeks. Your dentist may also prescribe medication to help with any discomfort you feel. Since implant surgery is more complicated than other dental procedures, it will take several months for you to be fully healed.

Your Post-surgery aftercare

Here are some ways to ensure that you get to recover from your dental implant surgery faster:

  • To avoid any complications post-surgery, eat only soft foods and avoid biting too hard on the area.
  • Stick to an oral care routine at home to ensure that you keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  • Regularly brush and floss your teeth, and use an anti-bacterial mouthwash.
  • Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist so that he can check when your bone is completely fused to the post. When you’re completely healed, you can come back to the dentist’s office to have the permanent new tooth put in.
  • Avoid unhealthy habits like drinking too much alcohol and caffeine, or smoking; because these habits can have a bad effect on how well you heal.
  • Avoid grinding your teeth.

Remember that the success of your dental implant procedure will depend on how well you take care of yourself before and after the surgery. In general, being healthy overall and following these steps will help ensure the success of the entire implant process.

Visit our implant dentist in Wall Township!

how to prepare for your dental implant surgery

Ready for your dental implant surgery in Wall Township? Visit Dr. Avi Israeli of Sage Dental and Spa! Our dentistry offer Single Implants, Multiple Implants, and All-on-Six Immediateeth to bring you one step closer to a complete smile! Call our office to book your consultation.

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