Dental implant surgery is a life-changing procedure that offers a permanent solution for missing teeth. Whether you’re getting a single implant or a full-mouth restoration, preparation plays a key role in ensuring a smooth procedure and successful recovery. Here’s what you can expect and how you can prepare for dental implant surgery.
Understand the Process
Before your surgery date, your dentist or oral surgeon will walk you through the treatment plan. Dental implant placement often happens in stages, which may include tooth extraction, bone grafting (if needed), and finally, implant placement followed by crown restoration.
Knowing what to expect helps reduce anxiety and allows you to make the necessary arrangements for time off work, transportation, and home recovery.
Complete Your Pre-Surgical Exams
Preparation usually includes:
- X-rays or 3D imaging to assess the bone structure and determine implant placement.
- Dental impressions to plan for your final restorations.
- Medical history review to ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery.
Inform your dentist about any medical conditions, allergies, or medications you’re taking. In some cases, your doctor may recommend adjusting your medications or starting a short course of antibiotics before the procedure to prevent infection.
Stop Smoking
Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure by interfering with healing and reducing blood flow to the gums. If you smoke, your dentist will likely recommend quitting at least a few weeks before and after surgery. Ideally, try to quit permanently to protect your long-term oral health.
Plan Your Diet and Meals
After implant surgery, you’ll need to stick to a soft food diet for several days or longer if you’ve had a bone graft. Prepare soft, nutritious meals in advance, such as smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and lukewarm soup. Limit crunchy, hard, spicy, or hot foods immediately after surgery to protect the surgical site and minimize discomfort.
Arrange Transportation and Time Off
Dental implant surgery is typically done with local anesthesia, but some patients may opt for sedation. Either way, you’ll want someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first few hours after the procedure. Arrange for a day or two off work to rest and recover.
Follow Pre-Op Instructions
Your dental team will give you specific instructions to follow the day before and the morning of your surgery. These may include:
- Fasting if sedation is planned.
- Brushing your teeth (but avoiding the surgical site).
- Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Following these instructions closely helps ensure a successful surgery and reduces the risk of complications.
Dental implant surgery is a routine procedure, but thoughtful preparation can make all the difference in your experience and outcome. By understanding the process, planning ahead, and following your dentist’s instructions, you can set yourself up for a smooth recovery and a strong, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
About the Practice
Are you preparing to change your life with dental implant surgery? Why not let the expert team at Burncoat Family Dental handle your procedure? We use state-of-the-art technology like a Cone Beam CT Scanner treatment planning, and we do all the work in-house, so there’s no need for an outside referral. We also accept dental insurance and have flexible financing options available as well to turn your dream into a reality. Schedule your appointment with us today through our website or by calling our Worcester office at (508) 852-0168.