Having your teeth replaced with dental implants means that you’ll be able to experience life to the fullest. You’ll once again be able to eat several of the foods you previously had to give up and smile with confidence. Still, you have to get pass the most important part: the dental implant surgery. If you’re feeling a little nervous, it’s perfectly normal. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to make for a smooth process. Continue reading to learn more!
Start by Asking Questions
Adults can learn a lot from children. They ask endless questions because they take comfort in having more information. You should adopt a similar mindset when it comes to your dental implant surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask the dentist about anything that you’re feeling unsure about. By getting the answers you need, you can quiet your nervousness and proceed with confidence.
Plan Ahead
You’ll be given special instructions to follow prior to your surgery. While some are standard, others may be more specific to the type of care you need. For example, if you’ll receive sedation dentistry, the dentist will suggest that you have a spouse, family member or friend on standby to drive you home. That’s because the effects of the medication, whether delivered intravenously or orally, will take hours to wear off.
Follow the Other Pre-Op Instructions
The dentist will give you some other general instructions so that you can be prepared for surgery. Of course, it’s of the utmost importance to adhere to them to ensure that you have a positive experience and successful outcome.
You may be told to do the following:
- Eat a filling breakfast.
- Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Take any prescribed antibiotics in preparation for the procedure.
- Clear the rest of your schedule for the remainder of the day so that you can relax and recover.
What to Expect After Your Dental Implant Surgery
It’s not uncommon to experience some discomfort after the numbing medication wears off. However, it can typically be managed by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve or Motrin). Additionally, you’ll want to eat soft foods (soup, smoothies, vegetables, etc.), avoid using straws and get plenty of rest.
You can take comfort in knowing that the dental implant process has a 95% success rate. Maintaining such a high standard comes down to dentist proficiency, the usage of quality materials and patients carefully following the guidelines they’re given. The result is a happier and more fulfilling life!
About the Author
Dr. David Earnest is a graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center. A member of several prestigious organizations, including the Academy of Osseointegration and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, he enjoys rebuilding his patients’ smiles by placing dental implants. Dr. Earnest changes lives at Comal Dental, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a consultation through his website.