At our dental clinic, we help people to restore their smiles with dental implants. Losing a tooth can seriously affect your confidence, but it doesn’t mean you can’t regain your smile!
A dental implant procedure can help you to chew, eat, and smile usually again after losing a tooth. So what should you expect in your appointment?
Keep reading as we discuss everything you should know before your dental implant procedure and some tips for your recovery!
Table of Contents
How To Prepare For Your Dental Implant Procedure
Before you visit your Bentleigh East dentist for your appointment, there are a few steps to take. Here’s what you’ll need to do before your appointment:
- Have a dental examination– your dentist will need to examine your gums and teeth to identify any need for antibiotics before your dental implant procedure. Sometimes, the infection can occur when the root of a tooth is exposed, and your dentist will need to clear this infection before installing a new tooth.
- Taking antibiotics – if necessary, you must complete a course of antibiotics before your appointment so that any infection will clear up.
- Fasting– before you receive a general anaesthetic, it is necessary to fast. You shouldn’t eat for 12 hours before your appointment and should avoid drinking water in the 6 hours following your appointment.
- Wearing loose clothing– tight-fitting clothing can cause discomfort and skin indentation during the procedure, and you could wake up feeling sore once your procedure is done.
- Scheduling downtime– you won’t be able to run right out of the dentist’s office and resume your normal activities. It’s important to schedule some time for rest and recovery following your appointment. You should prepare soft foods after the procedure, arrange a lift home, and ask a friend or family member to come and assist you once you get home.
By taking all of these preparatory steps, you can ensure your procedure goes smoothly and allow yourself to recover once the procedure is done. There are numerous benefits of dental implants, and the process will help to minimise anxiety about your oral health.
What’s Involved In The Dental Implant Process?
Installing dental implants can take up to 12 months, depending on your specific requirements and availability. Here are all of the steps involved in a dental implant procedure:
- Initial consultation – you can visit your dentist in person for your initial consultation, or you can do it over the phone. Your dentist will discuss your options and the procedure to determine the best action.
- Assessment – during this phase of the treatment, you will visit your dentist for scans and assessments to determine the condition of your jaw and your viability for an implant. If your jaw bone is compromised, the dentist may arrange jaw surgery to restore your jaw, ready for the implant surgery.
- Placing the implant – to place the implant, a dentist will place you under general anaesthetic and drill a small hole to fix in the base of the implant. The implant’s base will be the root of your false tooth, securing it in place.
- Securing the new tooth – your dentist will secure your new tooth in a subsequent appointment, restoring your smile.
Recovery Tips For Your Dental Implant Procedure
When recovering from your procedure, it’s essential to keep the following tips in mind:
- Avoid hard, hot, and cold foods. Softer foods will be easier to eat.
- Avoid strenuous activity while recovering from general anaesthetic.
- Arrange a lift home from your appointment, as you cannot drive after receiving a general anaesthetic.
- Rest to aid in your healing and recovery to enjoy your improved smile.
Summary
Now that you know how to prepare for your dental implant surgery, what’s involved, and how to aid your recovery, you can attend your appointment knowing what to expect. The dental implant process is lengthy, but it will provide you with more confidence and allow you to eat, speak, and drink as you did before!
Need dental care? Visit Verve Dental to discuss your options and receive advice for your dental health from our exceptional team of dental experts.