4 Tips to Prepare For Dental Implants

Dental implants are highly effective for restoring oral function following tooth extraction. After receiving implants, a person is more likely to be able to chew food more easily, pronounce words more properly when speaking, and even feel more confident with a restored smile. Someone who decides to get implants should prepare for the procedure as much as possible. Preparing for an implant procedure can ensure a comfortable recovery and a successful outcome.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post that a dentist anchors to the jawbone below the gum to replace the root on an extracted tooth. The titanium material resists corrosion, withstands excessive force, and is biocompatible with oral tissue. The titanium implant fuses with the bone and supports an abutment that extends through the gum, allowing the dentist to attach a crown that replaces the missing tooth above the gum line.

What are the steps of the implant procedure?

There are several steps to the implant procedure. First, any damaged teeth will need to be removed. Then, if necessary, the patient may undergo bone grafting to prepare the jaw to be able to support the implants. Next, the professional will implant the titanium rods into the jaw. After that, the abutments are put into place. Finally, the artificial tooth will be placed on the abutment. It is important to understand that healing time is required between each part of the implant process. For this reason, it typically takes months to finish the procedure, so be sure to prepare for the healing time that you will need between each step.

How can patients prepare for dental implants?

The placement of an implant in a patient's jaw relies upon a dentist's skill and surgical site preparation. However, patients should also prepare for implants by following these four tips. 

1. Schedule time off

Patients expecting to have dental implant surgery should plan for time off from work or school as soon as possible before the procedure to ensure having adequate time to recover. Recovery usually takes one week, though it may be possible to return to work or school three or four days after the procedure. Therefore, scheduling dental implant procedures for the days before a weekend allows patients to minimize time off from work and school and have the two weekend days to continue recovering. 

2. Plan meals

Following implant surgery, patients must follow a diet consisting of soft foods and liquids, such as eggs, yogurt, and soup, to avoid loosening stitches or aggravating sensitive oral tissue. Patients will likely want to go directly home after the procedure; therefore, going grocery shopping the day before the implant appointment will ensure having well-stocked with nutritious foods that promote rapid and complete healing.  

3. Arrange for transportation

Patients planning to receive dental implants should arrange to have someone drive them home from the dentist's office following the procedure. Many patients feel unusually tired as the body allocates its energy reserves to healing. In addition, the discomfort that patients may experience can pose driving or public transportation challenges. Therefore, it is advisable to make advance arrangements to ensure that friends or relatives can help them get home safely on the day of implant surgery.

4. Get adequate rest

Patients should plan for an early bedtime to ensure a night of restful sleep the night before a dental implant procedure. Coming to an appointment well-rested can ease anticipatory anxiety and help patients remain relaxed throughout the implant surgery. In addition, adequate rest can help the body begin the healing process immediately after the dentist closes the implant wound. Although every implant patient's healing time is different, many dentists agree that a well-rested body's healing capacity is substantially greater than that of a tired one. 

How do you care for your new implants?

After you receive your implants and go through the recovery process, you will still need to take care of them. Luckily, you do this much the same way you would take care of your natural teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, using floss and mouthwash as needed. It is also important to avoid tooth-damaging habits such as smoking or chewing on hard candy. Finally, be sure to visit your dentist regularly. 

Conclusion

Dental implants are highly effective for restoring oral function and health and alleviating tooth loss complications. In addition, patients who know how to prepare for dental implant procedures can experience comfortable and speedy recoveries. If you want to speak with better pronunciation, chew your favorite foods more easily, and feel better about your smile, consider talking to a professional about the implant procedure.

Request an appointment here: https://gallodental.com or call GDC Smiles at (770) 504-5725 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.

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