About 3 million people have dental implants each year and that number is growing by 500,000 annually. While the process isn’t incredibly invasive, it does help to understand how to prepare and what to expect before the day of the procedure. With that in mind, here are just a few tips on how to best prepare for your dental implants procedure.
Dietary Restrictions
First, if you will be sedated during the procedure, your oral surgeon will advise you not to eat or drink anything for 8 hours prior to the procedure. This helps to keep nausea symptoms at bay after the procedure is over and you reawaken. If you’re just getting local anesthetic, however, you’ll likely have no restrictions when it comes to eating or drinking prior to the surgery. Patients receiving general anesthesia may want to schedule their appointment for earlier in the day to minimize the discomfort that sometimes accompanies hunger and thirst.
Antibiotics
Oral surgeons may prescribe antibiotics and/or pain medication to help combat symptoms that come after the dental implant procedure. While typically not serious, it’s important for you to communicate with your oral surgeon about any prescription medications you’re currently taking that may interfere with the other medications you receive. Though these prescriptions are only for a short period of time, you can never be too safe when it comes to monitoring the potential interferences of certain medications.
Transportation
Similar to other dental procedures involving sedation, you are typically not allowed to drive yourself home after receiving general anesthesia. Ask your surgeon’s office if this is the case for your procedure and for any specific suggestions so you can arrange appropriate transportation. For patients receiving local anesthetic, driving afterward is generally permitted. Again, discuss your options with your dentist so that you can find a plan that works best for you.
About 32% of people say they’re “concerned by the look of their teeth,” and in many cases, dental implants are the most viable and high-quality tooth replacement solution. Make your treatment a success and prepare properly for your procedure as recommended by your oral surgeon. For more information about dental implants and financing, contact Waco Surgical Arts.
Comments