3 Tips To Prepare For Dental Implant Surgery
The installation of dental implants requires surgery. As a result, there are steps you have to take before the surgery to prepare for it and your recovery. Here are some tips to help ensure you are ready.
Consult With the Dental Surgeon
Prior to the surgery, it is important that you meet with your dental surgeon. He or she will need to know your full medical history to determine if there are any challenges that could lead to problems during and after the surgery. It is important that you are completely open with the surgeon and inform him or her of all medications, herbs, and supplements you are taking.
You also need to share any medical conditions that you have. Depending on the medical condition, your surgeon might recommend postponing the surgery. For instance, if you have diabetes and your blood sugar is not under control, you could face a delay.
Stop Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Smoking has been shown to slow recovery and can also be a factor in dental implant failure. Smoking can cause dryness in the mouth, which can promote the growth of harmful bacteria. The result is an increased risk of suffering from a gum infection.
To decrease the risk of this occurring, it's important that you stop smoking prior to the surgery. Your surgeon will recommend a time period before the surgery to cease smoking. It is important to note that following surgery, you need to continue not smoking until given clearance by your dentist.
Alcohol can also have an impact on your recovery. Alcohol can work to slow coagulation. Coagulation helps to close the wounds from your surgery and encourage healing of your gums.
After surgery, your dentist will most likely prescribe an antibiotic to take to help avoid an infection. Alcohol can sometimes interfere with the effectiveness of the antibiotic.
Prepare Your Home
The first few days after the surgery can be exhausting. Before having the implants installed, prepare your home for your recovery. Ensure that you have soups and other liquids to consume until your jawbone and gum starts to heal. You also need to fill any prescriptions that your dentist has given you. In addition to prescribing antibiotics, your dentist might also give you a prescription for a pain killer.
Consult with your surgeon to find other ways that you can ensure you are ready for the implant surgery. He or she might have other instructions that you need to follow before the surgery.
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