Dental implants have come a long way in the time we've been practicing dentistry. New materials and technologies continue to be introduced for dental implant posts, crowns, and surgeries. It's sometimes amazing to think about what is possible today in terms of restorative dentistry. Dentists can do full mouth reconstructions in some cases and give a person a completely new, healthy smile. That's a wonderful thing to be able to tell a teenager who has been in an accident, or someone who has suffered from severe tooth decay.
This week we're thinking about dental implant procedures, and we'd like to pass on a few things you can do to help you prepare if you're thinking about having one. Your dentist should cover most of these points when he or she goes over your treatment plan:
Get Your Questions Answered
Take advantage of any consultation before dental implant surgery and make sure you address any concerns or fears you may have about the procedure. This is beneficial for several reasons, but perhaps the most important is that it will help quell any anxiety you may have, which will make the overall experience more pleasant for you. Unfortunately, many false stereotypes about dentistry prevail in pop culture, which contributes to a lot of unnecessary worry in the dentist's chair. Knowing more about what you're about to go into, however, can help if you feel a little nervous.
Answer Your Dentist's Questions
To make sure you're a good candidate for a dental implant procedure, your dentist will have to ask some questions. To ensure that the procedure is performed safely, make sure to review your medications and medical history and pass on all relevant details. Be sure to include any over-the-counter medications you take regularly and/or any nutritional supplements. Diabetes is of special concern for possible dental implant patients, so you'll want to cover your history of that condition if you are diabetic.
Make Post-Surgery Preparations
When you review your treatment plan with your dentist, ask him or her if they recommend you have someone give you a ride home, and if so, make arrangements ahead of time. You don't want to be stressed out trying to find a ride the day of your procedure. We know it sounds simple, but we mention it because it happens.
Ask about any dietary recommendations your dentist might have, like how long you should only eat soft foods. Try to plan ahead and do your grocery shopping before your procedure. Stock up for a few days so you don't have to expose yourself to all the delicacies of the local supermarket while you're limited on what you can eat.
Finally, develop a good post-surgery oral hygiene routine with your dentist that may require working around stitches or sensitive areas that are healing. If bad habits were the cause of your dental implant, work on a plan with your dentist to avoid the same path.
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