Prepare Yourself for Dental Implant Success
Dental implants can be a life-changing treatment for patients who have lost one or more teeth. It can help restore your smile, improve your ability to chew and speak and prevent further bone loss in your jaw. However, properly preparing for your dental implant procedure will help ensure a smooth and successful outcome.
If you have dental implant surgery coming up, our team of Seattle dentists has created a helpful guide on what to do the day before and the morning of your appointment. For those suffering from dental anxiety, let our dentists know. We’ll offer advice and accommodate you in the best way possible.
The Day Before Your Dental Implant Appointment
One day before your appointment, you should:
- Arrange for transportation to and from the surgery center. You won’t be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes water, as it can cause nausea during the procedure.
- Take any medications prescribed for your procedure as directed.
The Morning of Your Dental Implant Appointment
On the morning of your implant procedure, you should:
- Follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s instructions regarding fasting. You’ll likely be instructed not to eat or drink anything for several hours before the procedure.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid clothing with tight collars or buttons that can cause discomfort during the procedure.
- Brush your teeth as usual, but avoid using mouthwash or toothpaste with a strong flavor.
- Take any pre-operative medications as directed by your dentist or surgeon.
- Bring a list of allergies, medications, or medical conditions that may be relevant to the procedure.
Make Plans for Post-Operation
Making plans ahead of time to prepare for your dental implant recovery process will help ensure success after the surgical procedure. To be prepared after your procedure, consider doing the following beforehand:
- Lightening or clearing your schedule for one week
- Have someone ready to drive you to and from the dentist’s office as sedation dentistry is typically involved
- Taking at least two days off of work
- No plans for exercise for at least one week
- Buying soft and cold foods
- Buying over-the-counter pain medications
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best to avoid wearing makeup or jewelry to your implant surgery appointment as it can get in the way of the procedure and increase the risk of infection. We also recommend wearing comfortable clothing.
The length of your implant procedure will vary based on how many implants you need and where they’re being placed in the jawbone. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with an estimated time for the procedure at your initial consultation.
Healing time will vary from person to person, but it typically takes several months for the implant to fully fuse with the jawbone. However, most patients start to feel better after a few days and can return to their normal activities.
Make sure to drink plenty of water and stick to a soft foods diet to ensure the best recovery possible.
It‘s generally recommended that you do not eat for a few hours before the surgery, as this will help to ensure that your stomach is empty and reduce the risk of complications during the procedure. However, you should follow the specific instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon, as the exact timing and requirements may vary depending on your individual situation.
Find Success With Dental Implants
Remember to keep in mind that dental implant surgery is a complex procedure that requires proper preparation and care to ensure a successful outcome. By following the above guidelines, and working closely with your dentist or surgeon, you can help ensure a smooth and successful dental implant surgery and overall experience.
If you have any questions about dental implants, or you’re ready to find a dentist near you, get in touch with our Seattle dentists.