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Will you soon receive dental implants to replace your lost teeth? You have much to look forward to! In the meantime, though, you might be curious about the treatment process in front of you. Many patients are particularly nervous about the dental implant surgery. How can you prepare for your procedure so you have the smoothest, easiest experience possible? Here are some practical tips:
Be Well-Informed
Dental implant surgery is a little different for each patient. Even if you have some friends who have undergone this procedure in the past, you should not expect your experience to be exactly like theirs. The best way to mentally prepare yourself for the road ahead is to ask questions. Talk to the team who will perform your procedure. Express your concerns and ask about anything that is weighing on your mind. Once you are well-informed about the road ahead, you will be in a better position to move forward with confidence.
Prepare for Your Recovery Period
Your surgery will have a temporary impact on your daily routine, so it is important that you prepare to make some adjustments. For example, if your dentist uses sedation, it may take several hours (or longer) for the medication to completely wear off. You should not drive or carry out any other potentially dangerous tasks during that period.
You will also need to eat a soft diet, so before your surgery, you can stock up on things like soup, eggs, applesauce, and any other foods that require little to no chewing.
Additionally, you will need to get plenty of rest. Do not hesitate to ask your spouse or other family members to prepare to temporarily take over some of your regular chores.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is a big risk factor for dental implant failure, especially if you do it too close to the time of your surgery. It is best to stop using cigarettes one or two weeks before your procedure and continue to abstain for at least a couple of months afterward. You might choose to use nicotine patches to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Follow Pre-Op Instructions
Depending on the details of your treatment plan, your dentist might ask you to follow some specific pre-op instructions. For example, some patients need to take a course of antibiotics. Depending on the type of sedation that will be used during your procedure, you might need to fast for several hours prior to your appointment. Strictly following such directions can greatly increase the chances of a successful, complication-free surgery.
It is understandable if you are a bit nervous about your dental implant surgery. Use the tips in this article to prepare for the experience and make it as easy as possible.
Meet the Practice
The team of experts at Four Town Dental is proud to provide start-to-finish dental implant treatment for the Enfield, CT, community. If you would like to replace your lost teeth, we would be happy to answer your questions and help you prepare for the journey that awaits you. We want every patient to have a positive care experience in our office! To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, get in touch with us at 860-856-6928.