How to Prepare for Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery is a functional and permanent solution to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Dental implants can fill the missing tooth gap and prevent further complications. 

You can take the following steps to help you prepare for the procedure.

Bone Grafting

Your jawbone may not hold your implant firmly in place if you have had a missing tooth for a long time or the jaw is soft or thin. Your doctor at John K. See, DDS may recommend a bone graft. They may use a synthetic bone grafting material or one that comes from a part of your body. The material will rebuild the affected jawbone area to give it better strength for chewing. Having a sturdy jawbone prevents failure through better support.

You may have to wait a few months after the bone grafting before your dental implant surgery. Doing so will give the bone time to become strong enough for the procedure. Your specialist can also do a minor bone graft on the day of the surgery. They will determine which approach to take depending on the condition of your jawbone.

Stock up on Soft Foods and Drinks

You may not feel like cooking or going to the grocery store after your dental implant procedure. Ideally, stock up on soup, nutritional drinks, soft foods, and anything else you may need. Doing so will allow you to rest without skipping meals after the appointment.

Ideally, you know that your doctor will advise you to eat soft foods for weeks after the procedure or even longer if you have a bone graft.

Confirm Supplements and Medication

Consult your dentist about the supplements and medications that are safe for use after the surgery. Once they let you know what to avoid, follow their instructions until they let you know it is safe to use them again.

Have a Flexible Schedule for the Next Day

How patients respond to dental implant surgeries is different. Some may feel energetic enough to resume their routine the following day, while others may need a day or two to recover. If you are unsure about what to expect, take some time off work or your usual activities to adapt to the change.

Ask Your Dentist About Dental Sedation if You Are Uneasy

Feeling nervous about dental procedures should not be embarrassing. Reach out to your dentist at John K. See, DDS, and discuss dental sedation options. Preparing for this will help you remain relaxed on the day of the procedure.

Fast

Your specialist will advise you to refrain from eating or drinking for at least 12 hours before the procedure. They will do so because you will be under sedation. Thus, your stomach should be empty.

Get Enough Sleep Before Surgery Day

Your body will need plenty of rest before the dental implant surgery. Get enough sleep to help your body relax and ease your worries. The procedure can put your body through some stress as other medical procedures. Your body will also begin its healing response after a good rest.

Secure a Car Ride Back Home

Your dentist may advise you to come for the procedure with a responsible adult to take you back home. Ideally, plan for your ride back to your house if the treatment entails sedation.

For more about dental implant surgery, visit John K. See, DDS, at our office in Camarillo, California. You can also call (805) 920-8600 to book an appointment today.