Dental implants are one of the most celebrated tooth replacement options among dentists and patients alike. They offer a level of bite force and realism that’s almost unmatched, and they routinely last well over 30 years if maintained well.
Of course, getting dental implants requires surgery, which can sometimes make patients nervous. You’ll be happy to learn that the procedure is absolutely nothing to worry about, especially if you prepare properly beforehand. Here are a few things you can do to make sure that your surgery goes smoothly.
Tips to Prepare for Dental Implant Surgery
Of course, the best thing to do before your dental implant surgery is to talk to your dentist about any concerns you have. They’ll be able to give you detailed advice tailored to your unique situation. However, here’s some more general advice you may want to keep in mind:
- Make sure your mouth is clean beforehand. You might want to use some antibacterial mouthwash before your appointment to kill any bacteria around the surgical area.
- If you were given antibiotics to take before your appointment, be sure to do so.
- Dental implant surgery is often accompanied by sedation; if this is the case for you, be sure to get a ride to and from your appointment.
- Eat a good meal beforehand. It can often be difficult to eat after your mouth has been numbed, so you’ll likely have to abstain from food for a few hours after the surgery.
- Note: If you’re receiving sedation, the opposite is true; you should fast before your surgery. This minimizes the chance of nausea as a consequence of the sedative.
- Be sure that you’re free for the rest of the day. While dental implant surgery isn’t all that intense, it’s still a good idea to take it easy for a day or two to ensure that you’re healing properly.
So long as you keep these tips in mind, you should be able to make it through the dental implant procedure without any problems!
About the Author
Dr. Marcos Garcia grew up in a family of dentists, so from an early age he witnessed first-hand the power of a beautiful smile. This inspired him to enter the field himself, and now he comes to work every day excited to help his patients. Dr. Garcia received his dental degree and training in periodontics from the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston, and is a candidate of the American Board of Periodontology.
If you have any questions about dental implants, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (361) 992-7641.