3 Tips to Help You Prepare for Dental Implant Surgery

Have you recently been told by your dentist that you are cleared for dental implant surgery? If so, congratulations! This is wonderful news and will put you one step closer to achieving a permanent, functional, and fully restored smile. But before you can begin to enjoy life with your new prosthetics, you must first undergo the actual placement process, which involves minor oral surgery. What can you do to prepare? Here are 3 tips to keep in mind as you approach the day of your dental implant procedure.

Be Confident in Your Decision

This is probably the most important aspect of any oral surgery. Choosing dental implants to replace your missing teeth is an investment in your time and money, so you’ll want to make sure you are well-informed and confident in your decision before agreeing to start treatment. During your initial consultation with your dentist, they will go over the entire process from start to finish. At this time, you’ll want to ask as many questions as possible to clarify anything that might sound confusing. Your dentist is your ally so don’t be afraid to ask about a particular component of treatment if you’re unsure.

Adhere to Instructions for Pre-Surgery Prep

Your dentist will likely provide you with a set of instructions to follow before arriving for your dental implant surgery. Depending on whether you will undergo sedation (specifically that which is administered with an IV), you will need to eat a healthy breakfast. If you require IV sedation, you’ll need to quit eating at midnight the night before your surgery. You’ll also need to rinse using an antibacterial mouthwash to rid your oral cavity of any bad bacteria as well as take any necessary antibiotics prescribed by your dentist. If you are planning to receive sedation, make sure to have someone escort you to and from your appointment safely, and do not plan to do anything but rest once you return home.

Remain Positive in Your Thought Process

Maintaining a positive mindset can help curb anxiety and allow you to feel more relaxed the day of your surgery. Remember, your choice to receive dental implants is one of the best decisions you can make for your oral and overall health. While other traditional solutions do not require this type of invasive procedure, they lack many of the most pertinent benefits that come with dental implants.

Before your surgery, think good thoughts and remind yourself that in no time at all, you’ll be enjoying all your favorite foods once again as well as embracing a better quality of life.

About the Practice
Dr. Bob Heil has more than 20 years of experience working in dentistry, and he graduated from the University of Minnesota with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. In addition to completing a General Practice Residency at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, he is certified by the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS) certification for sedation dentistry. Dr. Heil and his team at Oshkosh Complete Dentistry want to help you feel better prepared when undergoing dental implant surgery or any other oral procedure, which is why they will provide all the information you need to feel confident and comfortable about your upcoming treatment. If you need help to prepare to receive your dental implants, contact us at (920) 235-0320.