Are you soon going to receive dental implants? If all goes well (which it probably will), you have many years of strong, healthy smiles ahead of you. However, it is understandable if you are a little nervous about your upcoming dental implant surgery. There is nothing to worry about. With a bit of forethought and advance preparation, you can increase the chances that your surgery and recovery will be as easy as possible. Here are some practical steps you can take prior to your surgery.
Be a Well-Informed Patient
Knowing exactly what to expect during and after your surgery can do much to calm any nerves you may be feeling. Make a list of questions you have about the procedure, and a arrange a time to talk to your oral surgeon about them. If you choose to do research on the internet, scrutinize the source of any information you come across. Articles from experienced practitioners, research journals, and major news sources tend to be the most reliable.
Stock Up on Soft Food
After your surgery, you’ll need to avoid eating anything that could irritate your incisions. Therefore, it would be wise to stock up on soft, easy-to-prepare foods that you can enjoy during the initial phase of your recovery. Some examples of things you will be able to eat include: brothy soups, applesauce, smoothies, ice cream (without any hard add-ins), and protein shakes.
Fill Your Prescriptions
Your oral surgeon might give you a prescription for antibiotics or painkillers that will make you more comfortable after your surgery. Filling your prescriptions before your procedure will spare you from having to make a trip to the pharmacy when you are feeling groggy from sedation.
Ask for Help
If you will be sedated during your surgery, you’ll need to have a friend or family member available to drive you to and from your appointment. Also, keep in mind that you may not feel like doing much during the first few days after your surgery, so you should arrange for someone else to take care of your necessary everyday tasks, such as walking the dog, light household cleaning, picking the kids up from school, etc.
Clear Your Schedule
Most people are feeling well enough to return to work within a day or two of their surgery. However, if you have a job that requires a lot of physical exertion, you may want to take longer off. Listen to your body and give it the rest it is asking for.
Your dental implant surgery will be just one step on your way to a fully restored smile. A little bit of preparation can go a long way toward making you feel good about this part of your oral health journey.
Meet the Practice
The three oral surgeons at Piney Point Dental Implant Center have many decades of combined experience. Their advanced training enables them to perform even complex dental implant services, including dental implant placement. To learn more about them and how they may be able to serve you, contact our office at 713-597-7340.