Preparing For Your First Dental Implant

The best possible treatment option to replace a missing tooth is a dental implant. Dental implants can provide patients missing teeth with a beautiful, natural-looking solution that performs just as well (and sometimes better!) than your natural teeth. 

If you’re preparing for your first dental implant, knowing what to expect before your surgery will help you move through this new experience with confidence and ease. 

Implants Are Not a One-Day Procedure

Your journey to a replacement tooth via a dental implant will likely require more than one surgical procedure. Throughout this process, you might meet with different dental specialists to determine the best course of action for your tooth replacement procedure. Your first appointment will be your dentist thoroughly evaluating your smile to determine what steps should be taken in order to have your implant be successful. A complete exam will determine the treatment plan that is designed specifically for you. Things like your jawbone and the number of teeth that are going to be replaced with dental implants will all be taken into account. 

The Big Day

Your evaluation appointment has come and gone, and the day of your dental implant procedure is approaching. You will want to begin to prepare for your implant surgery the night before your procedure. 

The night before, be sure to:

Fast. You may be required to fast before your appointment, depending on the sedation that will be used during your treatment. 

Confirm Your Ride Home. Make plans to have someone other than yourself drive you to your appointment and take you home after surgery. 

Take Any Suggested Medication. If your dentist has prescribed any medications for you to take prior to your procedure, such as antibiotics, follow their instructions regarding when to take the medication. 

Prepare Meals. It’s a great idea to prepare some soft foods in advance so you will not have to worry about cooking after your procedure. Foods such as soups, smoothies, and pasta are excellent choices. Your mouth will be sensitive after surgery, and soft foods are ideal for promoting healing. 

Get Some Sleep. It may be difficult, but be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before your procedure. Being rested will help your body to be at its best during surgery, and it will also help to promote healing while you are recovering. 

Aftercare Tips 

It’s vital to follow the provided aftercare instructions to ensure that your dental implants last for as long as possible and that your implant heals properly. After your implant is healed and you are back to your everyday activities, it’s still important to avoid any damage to your teeth by following these aftercare tips. 

• Keep Your Mouth Healthy – it’s vital to the success of your implant that your other teeth are healthy prior to and after having a dental implant placed. Any areas with gum disease, decay, or simply poor positioning will need to be examined and corrected as soon as possible.

• Take It Easy – Immediately after your dental implant surgery, your job of caring for your implant and yourself begins. Be sure to take it easy for the first few days following your surgery and avoid exercising for 2-3 days. Your body will need proper rest in order to recover properly.

• Keep Your Mouth Clean – Your mouth is home to billions of bacteria, and not all of them are good. Be sure to brush and floss regularly to keep your gums healthy, clean, and free from infection. 

• Schedule Your Follow-Up Appointment – After having a dental implant installed, it’s critical to see your dentist at least twice a year for routine check-ups. These bi-annual appointments are the ideal time to have your teeth professionally cleaned and to have your dentist examine your oral health. 

Know What To Expect

It is always our goal to have your recovery from a dental implant procedure to be smooth and pleasant. It’s vital to follow the specific instructions your dentist provides to you after your surgery. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the dental implant process, don’t hesitate to contact Hoffman Dental Care.