Dental implant surgery is a major step, and it’s understandable to be a little nervous beforehand. While the procedure is considered very safe and has an extremely high success rate of 95%, it can still be intimidating when you’re having it done for the first time. To help put your mind at ease, here are 3 things you can do to prepare for dental implant surgery.
1. Make Sure You’re Well-Informed
Part of the nervousness that comes before the dental implant procedure is from not knowing what to expect. During your initial consultation with your oral surgeon, make sure you ask any questions you might have about the treatment. There’s no such thing as an unimportant or foolish question; you deserve to be as well-informed as possible so that you can be confident that you’re making the right decision for your smile.
Remember that you can always call your oral surgeon at any time during the implant process if there’s anything else you want to know. Don’t be afraid to reach out if something is bothering you before your surgery.
2. Plan Ahead for After the Treatment
Once dental implant surgery is complete, it will take a few days for your mouth to heal. To make sure that your recovery process is a successful one, it’s important to make sure that you’re well-prepared ahead of time. You should plan on at least two to four days of rest after the procedure, so make the arrangements to take the necessary amount of time off of work.
One of the most crucial things you’ll need to plan is your diet. You’ll only be able to eat soft or liquid foods for at least the first few days of recovery. Make sure you have plenty of nutritious options like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, creamy soups, and broth. You can move on to foods that require a bit more chewing when your mouth feels up to it.
3. Follow Any Pre-Op Instructions You Receive
Not every patient is the same, which is why the pre-op instructions your oral surgeon gives you may vary. For example, if IV sedation is performed, you’ll need to fast for a set amount of time before your appointment. Follow any instructions you get to the letter so that you can stay safe during your treatment and avoid needing to reschedule.
Feel free to reach out to your dentist at any time if you would like additional advice for getting ready before your dental implant appointment. When you feel like you’re fully prepared, you can start looking forward to receiving the roots of your new teeth and the benefits they’ll bring with them.
About the Author
Dr. Steve Yusupov loves how being an oral surgeon gives him a chance to change people’s lives. As a Fellow of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, he is skilled in performing a wide variety of advanced oral treatments, including dental implant surgery. To schedule a consultation with him at Gold Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Roslyn, visit his website or call (516) 744-6262.