Now that you’ve chosen to get dental implants, you may think you’re all set. You can just rely on your dentist and their team to do the heavy lifting, right? Well, the truth is that you should also prepare for dental implant surgery ahead of time. Doing so will help your treatment go more quickly and smoothly than it would otherwise. As for what that prep involves, your Leawood dental practice will share the details. Read on to learn four key things you should do before your dental implant surgery.
Know What to Expect
First, you should get a good idea of how your surgery will work. You can do that by asking questions at your initial consultation visit.
You see, knowing what to expect from surgery will make you ready for it. Even a broad outline would help you adjust, ease dental anxiety, and more. A brief Q&A session would also confirm that you and your dentist are on the same page. After all, you don’t want misconceptions to affect your treatment results.
Follow Dentist Instructions
To really prepare for dental implant surgery, make sure to follow your dentist’s pre-op instructions. This guidance will keep you safe during your procedure.
Most of the instructions should be simple. For example, your dentist may tell you to fast the night before surgery if you’ll have IV sedation. They could also instruct you to take some prescribed antibiotics. Based on the treatment’s time, they may also suggest you rinse with antibacterial mouthwash.
Clear Your Schedule
Following implant surgery, you’ll need time to rest and recover. That means you should prepare by clearing your schedule on the day of treatment.
Once the sedatives or anesthesia wear off, you’ll likely feel some post-surgery soreness and swelling. It’s better to recover from these symptoms with time away from work and other obligations. To compensate, see if friends or family could offer support with childcare, meals, etc.
Arrange for Transport
Whether you like it or not, you can’t drive a car after dental implant surgery. Try to prepare by having a friend or family member take you home once treatment is over.
The reason you’ll need a driver is because implant surgery uses sedatives (or anesthesia). Even after the treatment, you’ll feel sleepy or disoriented for a few hours. You won’t be in a good state to use a car or any other heavy machinery. With all that said, have someone you trust pick you up from your surgery.
By knowing how to prepare for dental implant surgery, you can go into treatment confidently. With that said, don’t forget to use the tips above!
About the Author
Dr. Dennis C. Ayer is a dentist based in Leawood, KS, having earned his DDS from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s practiced in the field for over forty years and dedicated his office to comprehensive dental care. In other words, you can trust Dr. Ayer for preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental work that transforms your smile! Today, he and his team operate at his self-titled clinic and are reachable on his website and by phone at (913)-246-3000.