Dental implants are the golden standard of tooth replacement because they look and function exactly like real teeth. While you’re probably excited to restore your smile, you might also be nervous about having surgery. Luckily, there are a few things you can do before your appointment to help ensure the procedure is a resounding success. Here are a few tips to help you be ready when the big day comes.
How Can I Be Prepared to Receive Dental Implants?
Here are a few things you can do before dental implant surgery to help the process go smoothly:
- Use antibacterial mouthwash daily. This will eliminate a significant amount of harmful bacteria as well as leave your mouth feeling clean, fresh, and minty.
- Be sure to take any antibiotics your oral surgeon prescribes as directed.
- If you aren’t having IV sedation, have a good breakfast the day of your surgery. IV sedation requires patients to stop eating by midnight before their appointment.
- If you are having oral or IV sedation, arrange to have someone give you a ride home after the procedure.
- On the date of your surgery, take the rest of the day off. Though the procedure won’t leave you in pain, you can expect to feel discomfort. Relaxing for the rest of the day can help the initial healing process.
How Does Dental Implant Surgery Work?
The procedure begins with anesthesia to keep you comfortable. If your damaged tooth is still present, it will be removed. Your oral surgeon will then place a titanium post in your jawbone, close the wound in the gums, and attach a lifelike artificial tooth above the gumline. The whole procedure should be painless, but you may feel some pressure or vibration.
The implant will require several months to heal. During this time, the titanium post will fuse to the jawbone through the natural process of osseointegration, creating a sturdy foundation so the restoration can last for decades with proper care.
Most patients find that their anxiety about dental implant surgery was much worse than the procedure itself. Perhaps the best thing you can do to rest easy about your coming appointment is to discuss the matter with your oral healthcare provider so you can understand specifically what to expect in your situation.
About the Practice
Beck Dental Care of Columbia has served the dental needs of Columbia, TN for more than forty years. Led by Drs. Matthew Hart, Kyle Williams, and Philip Matthews, the experienced staff can perform an entire dental implant procedure from start to finish. Services offered include preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry in addition to dental implants. For more information on how to prepare for dental implant surgery, contact the office online or dial (931) 236-2141.