How do you prepare for dental implant surgery?

1. Schedule a dental exam
2. Get your jaw prepared for the surgery
3. Stop smoking and alcohol consumption
4. Rest and ensure you’re comfortable
5. Find someone to accompany you
6. Prepare for healing and downtime
7. Stock up on soft foods

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces damaged and missing teeth with artificial tooth roots. The implant can support a single tooth or a full bridge, so it’s easier to chew, eat, talk, and smile. The artificial tooth root is surgically secured to the jawbone, where it will fuse and make you feel that you grew a new tooth. As long as you take care of it, it will last a lifetime. To know how to prepare for dental implant surgery, keep on reading!

Schedule A Dental Exam

Before you’re scheduled for dental surgery, you need to undergo a comprehensive dental examination. This will help your dentist determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Aside from that, it will also provide them with enough information on what next steps to take.

During this time, your dentist might ask you to take a cast, radiograph, and a CT scan to see your overall oral anatomical structure and assess the quality of your jawbone. If there are signs of tooth decay or gum disease, your dentist will first treat these.

Get Your Jaw Prepared For The Surgery

In some cases, your dentist might determine that your jaw won’t be able to anchor the implant properly. When this happens, they will suggest a variety of methods to improve your jawbone quality.

For example, if there is not enough bone material to accommodate the implant, you might need to have a bone graft. After the procedure, you will need to wait for your gums and jaws to be in good health. Other than that, it might also be necessary to remove your impacted teeth first or remove some bone if your jaw is too large.

Stop Smoking And Alcohol Consumption

Once the implant has been placed on your jawbone, it takes between 6 weeks to 6 months for it to heal and integrate properly. Smoking can obstruct your body’s healing response, affect the effectiveness of the sedative, and more. That’s why it’s best to quit smoking before you decide to undergo the surgery. You must also be free of any nicotine-based products.

Excessive alcohol intake can also disrupt the healing ability of your gums. It’s best to stop consuming alcoholic products 72 hours before the surgery.

Rest And Ensure You’re Comfortable

The day before your dental implant surgery, make sure that you get plenty of sleep. This way, you can ease your worries and ensure that your body is ready for surgery. Aside from that, adequate sleep will also help start your body’s healing response. You can ask your dentist about your sedation options if you’re anxious about the procedure. On the morning of your appointment, choose comfortable and well-fitting clothes and shoes.

Find Someone To Accompany You

A dentist would have to administer local anesthesia during a dental implant procedure. This means that the surgical site is numbed, and you’re awake during the procedure. Most people can resume their normal activities the day after the surgery.

But if there are multiple implants to be placed, IV sedation might be used. In this case, you might experience limited motor function and judgment as the anesthesia starts to wear off. Find someone who can accompany you home safely after the procedure.

Prepare For Healing And Downtime

Healing after dental implant surgery can take time. It’s common for the surgical site to feel sore and uncomfortable, especially during the week after the procedure. You will feel better after a couple of weeks, but it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions for aftercare. You might need pain medications and antibiotics after the surgery, so it’s best to get these ready in advance.

Your body will heal better if you can rest and recover for a few days. Because of this, it’s best to schedule a few days of leave off work. Ask for help around the house especially if you have children that need taking care of.

Stock Up On Soft Foods

To allow the surgical site to heal, you will need to eat soft foods for a while. Do your grocery shopping in advance so you can focus on healing and recovery at home. Here are some recommendations on what to eat the day after your surgery:

• Cold soups
• Smoothies
• Yogurt
• Mashed potatoes

Avoid using a straw as this can put unwanted pressure on your implant and obstruct the healing process. Weeks after the surgery, you can slowly reintroduce solid foods such as eggs, chicken, fish, ground meat, cheese, and more.

Key Takeaway

If you’re looking for a dental clinic where you can have your dental implant surgery, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Elevate Dental! We have branches in Bonifacio Global City and Greenhills. Our dentists are experienced in this procedure, so they can tell you in detail how to prepare for dental implant surgery.