Today, improved technology has made dental implant surgeries easier and relatively painless. However, it is natural to be a little anxious before any such procedure. To clear your mind beforehand, you can consult your dentist and discuss your queries. Always disclose your complete oral history to the dentist so they know what to be prepared for. In addition, you must know how you can prepare for dental implant surgery, especially if it’s your first time.

What are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium screw-shaped artificial tooth roots. They replace the natural root of a missing tooth. The implants must be placed in the jawbone, so minor oral surgery is required to attach them correctly.

Getting dental implants requires a progressive series of appointments. This includes consultation, placement of implants, and placement of crowns. Once the surgery is over, the dentist may also schedule follow up appointments.

A dental implant replaces one or more permanent teeth lost due to an injury, gum disease, tooth decay, or infection. During your initial meeting with your dentist, they may discuss different options for replacing your teeth. Dentures and bridges are examples of these alternatives.

Dental implants – Procedure, preparation, and tips
Before you proceed with a dental implant operation, consider the following tips.

Choose a date for a dental exam
A visual inspection of your mouth, x-rays, and a review of your health records may be part of your dental examination. With this information, your dentist will create a dental implant process plan, taking unique factors into account, like the cause of the missing tooth, oral health, any possible allergies, and so on, based on your health.

They will go over their plan with you so that you know what to expect at each stage. This is a good time to inquire about the procedure’s date, expense, and the number of sessions needed.

Follow what the dentist prescribes
Before the procedure, confirm which supplements would be safe. A study suggests stopping the intake of vitamin C, aspirin, and omega-3 fish oils at least one week before surgery.

Dentists may prescribe remedies if you are dealing with any chronic illness or other issues. Any prescribed antibiotics will function as a substitute immune system, preventing early implant failure. Additionally, you will be asked to rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash to keep germs away from the operated area.

Prepare your jaw for bone grafting
A bone graft (replacing bone tissue of the natural tooth) may be required to support an implant if your jawbone is soft or if a tooth has been missing for a considerable period of time. It reconstructs the damaged area of your jawbone to provide added strength. Thus, avoid eating anything hard food that may hurt or injure your jawbone before the surgery. A well-rested jawbone is what will help you during as well as after the procedure.

Prepare healthy and light meals
A nutritious meal plan promotes healing after surgery and provides your body with the resources it requires to support dental implants. In the weeks coming up to your surgery, consume plenty of fruits, whole grains, and veggies. Additionally, before undergoing surgery, you should purchase or prepare soft foods such as smoothies, noodles, and soups. For a few days after the procedure, your sore gums will not be able to bite into or chew hard foods.

Extracting juice from fruits and veggies is one of the ways to reap their advantages. Nutritional shakes can also meet your body’s food needs during this time. However, you must avoid eating anything spicy or acidic because it may irritate the gums and act as a bacterial magnet.

Make proper preparations
Ensure you get enough rest on the night before surgery. While some patients can return to work within three days of the surgery, observing caution and avoiding vigorous schedules is advisable. Avoid major or stressful events for at least a week after the implant operation. In certain situations, your dentist may also suggest a diet to be followed in terms of hot/cold foods.

Ensure oral hygiene
You must maintain good oral hygiene to ensure an effective dental implant surgery. Instead of brushing your teeth vigorously, be gentle. Use a super-soft toothbrush easily available in departmental stores. Regular flossing and mouthwash after each meal also help to keep your mouth clean, and protect you against infections/cavities. It is imperative to consult your dentist and opt for a long-lasting mouthwash that keeps your mouth fresh and clean.

Get sufficient rest
Sufficient sleep is essential for overall health as it boosts productivity, concentration, and fitness, but it’s especially critical before surgery. In the week preceding your dental implant treatment, get at least eight hours of sleep per night. If it is pertinent to your particular operation, ask your dentist if there are certain sleeping positions they advise to avoid putting pressure on your mouth before or after the surgery.

Immediate aftercare suggestions
Following your dental implants, you may most likely feel slight pain or swelling. However, this is quite common and not something to worry about. When your surgery is over, you should:

Nibble on the sponges placed in your mouth to halt the bleeding.
Avoid excessive movement and keep your head elevated during the first 8 to 12 hours after the operation.
Place an ice pack on your face for 15 minutes when necessary.
Only consume soft meals and beverages for the first 24 hours.
Take prescription treatments strictly as directed by your doctor.
For the first 24 hours, avoid using mouthwash.

In conclusion
Good dental hygiene plays a significant role in ensuring mental and physiological well-being. What you eat has a direct impact on your health, mood, and daily productivity. Dental implants can help to replace your missing teeth, restoring a natural smile, ease of interaction, and convenience in eating what you love! Preparing for a dental implant procedure is not difficult; you must follow your dentist’s post-surgery care steps. You should select a reputable and effective dental clinic that can meet your individual needs and expectations.