How To Prepare Yourself For Dental Implant Surgery

Trips to the dentist aren’t always fun. However, they’re necessary to ensure the health of your teeth. Visiting your local dental clinic is especially vital when you want a better set of pearly whites, such as dental implants.

Getting dental implant surgery is considered both for aesthetic and health purposes. It’s usually unpleasant, but the result could improve your eating habits and help you feel better about yourself. Like any surgical procedure, some preparatory steps are involved in making the process as comfortable as possible for the patient. If you’re about to have the surgery done or plan to have it someday, here’s how to prepare yourself for the experience:

1. Research Thoroughly

Thorough research is crucial for any surgery, so you must orient yourself in the process beforehand, even by knowing the basics. You can interview people who have already had the surgery to understand what to expect. Of course, each person’s experience may be a little different. But it’s better to have a feel of what’s to come, albeit vaguely.

Surgeries aren’t always cheap, either. You’re lucky if your employer covers the costs of medical and dental procedures, but other times, the patient may pay out of their own pocket. Therefore, prior research on dental implant surgery costs is key to protecting your wallet, whether you opt to have the procedure done locally or abroad.

In addition, you can gather more information when you’re at the clinic. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist as many questions as you need. A reputable, professional dentist would want to assure your safety and comfort before, during and after the surgery.

Your dentist may also schedule several appointments for your general check-ups weeks or months before the process. During this time, you might receive prescription medicine from your implant surgeon in preparation for the procedure.

2. Limit Food And Beverage Before Surgery

Most dentists recommend that patients limit their food and beverage intake before their surgery schedule. The fasting period varies from patient to patient, but generally, it’s only 12 hours before the procedure. In the meantime, you must limit caffeine and alcohol as least a week prior and avoid eating meals after midnight. Doing this helps curb possible nausea from the anaesthesia and its effects on you after surgery.

You can also use this period to eat healthier meals and plan your diet since your eating habits may change after the procedure. Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water at least two weeks before.

3. Prep Your Body

Surgeries tend to be stressful for most people. A lot of unexpected things can happen to your body before the procedure, so it’s essential to take care of and protect yourself at the advice of your dentist.

Your dental implant surgeon may recommend you take antibiotics prior to your surgery. If you have a chronic condition, you mustn’t skip this step. Your immune system needs to strengthen up for and after the procedure. You may also need to take immunosuppressant drugs afterwards to protect the implants from your body’s immune system.

Depending on your condition before surgery, your dentist may advise you to pause or halt the intake of certain supplements and medications, such as:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Vitamin E
• Fish oil
• St. John’s wort
• Specific kinds of birth control

While you’re at it, avoid smoking and drinking, too. Nicotine and alcohol could hinder your ability to heal afterwards and affect anaesthesia’s efficacy. You may need to be nicotine-free six weeks before and after the surgery and alcohol-free for at least 72 hours prior. This ensures you won’t get any dental implant complications after the procedure.

On the day of your dental implant surgery, come into the clinic wearing loose, comfy clothes and well-fitting shoes. Keep your jewellery, contact lenses and watch at home to be comfortable during the surgery.

4. Find Someone To Accompany You

The after-effects of anaesthesia and surgery can leave patients feeling dizzy and weak. Hence, you must have someone you trust to accompany you. Find a close friend or relative who’s free on the day of your surgical appointment so you have someone who can assist you at least 24 hours after surgery. It’s best if they’re above 18 so they can drive you home safely.

5. Treat Yourself And Relax

Mental preparation is also vital for a successful surgery. Stress adds to the discomfort in many surgical procedures, so the day before your appointment, find time to relax.

You can treat yourself to your favourite meal since you might eat only soft food after getting dental implants. Watch calming or funny shows or movies to loosen up tense muscles. If you have hobbies, do them to pass the time and keep your mind off worry. You could even surround yourself with friends and family to lessen your nervousness.

6. Get Enough Rest

Getting enough proper rest weeks before your dental implant surgery is essential. Your road to recovery depends on how much rest you get. The night before the procedure, sleep as early as possible. The more restful sleep you get, the faster your post-surgery recovery will be.

7. Prepare For Aftercare

After getting dental implants, you may experience discomfort. Thus, gather some pain medication and soft food, including cold ones, even a few days before, to reduce swelling.

Additionally, find someone who can perform house chores for the first two days to lighten your load as you recover. Keep your schedule light and limit social engagements in the meantime. You may also consider getting myotherapy for better well-being post-surgery.

Conclusion

Dental implants are great for improving appearance, self-esteem and oral health. The procedure is as mentally and physically taxing as any. Therefore, proper preparation weeks before is key for a successful surgery.

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