Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique placement in your jawbone. Unlike dentures and bridges, they eventually fuse with the foundation of your mouth for a more permanent solution for tooth loss.
But this process includes oral surgery, and it’s natural to feel a little nervous. Continue reading to learn about 3 ways you can prepare in advance to help soothe any frayed nerves regarding your upcoming procedure!
Tip #1: Keep Your Mouth Clean
Thankfully, the dental implant procedure has an incredibly high success rate of more than 90%, meaning most patients won’t develop complications as long as they follow their dentist’s postoperative instructions.
However, there’s still a small chance you might develop an infection, such as peri-implantitis, the leading cause of failure. You can help prevent this and other potential complications by brushing and flossing as usual, and by rinsing your mouth with a non-alcoholic, antibacterial mouthwash to keep harmful germs at bay before your scheduled visit.
Tip #2: Take Any Prescribed Medications
Depending on your individual circumstances, your dentist might also prescribe certain medications for you to take before your appointment. It’s essential to take them as directed to avoid potential problems.
For instance, you might be given antibiotics with directions to take them before your procedure to help avoid infection at the implant site. You might also have a prescription for oral conscious sedation, which typically is a pill that you’ll be instructed to swallow before arriving so that the medications have time to kick in by the time your procedure begins.
Tip #3: Plan Ahead
You might also soothe any anxiety around your treatment by making appropriate plans to take care of yourself afterward. For example, if you’re begin sedated, you might need to enlist a trusted friend or family member to help drive you home after your implant procedure.
Then, it’s also often recommended that patients ask for help with routine tasks or household chores that might otherwise interfere with their recovery. For instance, it’s essential to get lots of rest and avoid activities that elevate your blood pressure or heart rate. That means if your employment involves manual labor, you may need to take a few days off to recover. You might also require assistance with other routines, like walking the dog or cleaning the house, until you’ve mended sufficiently.
If you have additional questions about how to prepare for your implant surgery, you can learn more by contacting your dentist’s office directly!
About the Practice
Patients at Beck Dental Care of Columbia benefit from a team of dentists who are eager to help them enhance their lives by improving their dental health. Dr. Hart, Dr. Williams, and Dr. Matthews work together to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including implant placement and restoration, using state-of-the-art technology for more comfortable and accurate outcomes. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (931) 416-3698.