If you are getting missing teeth replaced with dental implants in the near future, you have a lot to look forward to. You have chosen the best tooth replacement option available by far – nothing else replaces the missing tooth’s root as well as the visible crown.
There are a few things you can do to prepare in advance of your dental implant surgery. Keep reading to find out what they are so you can rock your recovery and be on your way to reaping all the benefits of dental implants.
#1 Stock Your Fridge
After dental implant placement, you will likely experience the side effects that are common with any oral procedure. These include soreness, swelling, and minimal bleeding. Eating a liquid diet in the days following the surgery will help you keep your nutrition up without disturbing the surgery site or causing any discomfort.
Common items to eat include chicken/bone broth, apple sauce, protein shakes, strained vegetable soups, and other liquid items.
#2 Arrange a Ride
If you are planning to have oral/IV sedation, you will need to plan to have someone to drive you home after the procedure and check on you periodically throughout the day if they can. It is not safe to operate a vehicle as you may be a bit drowsy for the rest of the day while the sedation wears off completely.
#3 Finish All Prescribed Medications
Your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to take before the dental implant procedure. This will help to prevent an infection that could interfere with your recovery. Make sure to take all the prescribed pills exactly as directed before your surgery date.
#4 Get Your Questions Answered
If you have any remaining questions before the dental implant procedure, make sure to have them resolved before the day of your surgery. Your dental office’s staff is just a phone call away, so do not be afraid to call them with any final inquiries regarding the procedure or recovery.
#5 Schedule Some R&R
And finally, don’t forget that getting plenty of rest in the days following your dental implant placement will help you recover quickly and fully. If you can, take some time off work to relax and recover from your procedure.
That’s it! Follow these five simple steps and you will be on your way to an easy breezy dental implant recovery. You will feel like yourself again in no time!
Meet the Dentist
Dr. John Hackbarth earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston and has been providing exceptional dental care for patients in and around Texas City for over 40 years. He is passionate about helping people rebuild their smiles after tooth loss with quality dental implants. If you have questions about this option, call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hackbarth at the Dental Cosmetic Center – Bay Area by calling (832) 769-4115.