Precautions to Take Before Getting Dental Implants

If you are experiencing tooth loss, you may wonder what treatment options are available to close the gaps between your teeth and restore your smile. Dental implants in Phoenix are a popular solution for replacing missing teeth because they provide a natural appearance, feeling, and function.

Dental implant placement requires surgery, making it essential for you to prepare for this procedure before undergoing treatment. During your consultations with the Phoenix dentist, the professional provides thorough preoperative instructions at the Phoenix dental practice. To determine whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implant placement, you must undergo an initial consultation with the dentist to prepare for the procedure.

This article looks at the precautions you must take before getting dental implants. Please continue reading to ensure you can have successful dental implant surgery for the replacement teeth you desire.

Precautions before Dental Implant Surgery

Quit Smoking and Alcohol Use

Smoking and alcohol can both inhibit your recovery and increase the risk of complications. You must refrain from consuming alcohol during the week of the surgery and the initial recovery. The effect of alcohol on your blood can cause bleeding complications making it essential for you to stop alcohol consumption before and after dental implant surgery.

Smoking and chewing tobacco are concerning because they can increase the risk of dental implant failure. Tobacco use in both forms increases the risk of periodontal disease and infection of the gums that can infect the implant site to cause failure. Furthermore, smoking decreases oxygen levels in the blood, making it challenging for the cells to heal themselves. Therefore the habit can prolong your recovery and lead to failure of the implant.

Your chances of succeeding with dental implant surgery increase significantly if you quit smoking before your surgical procedure. However, the Phoenix dentist recommends you stop at least two weeks before your surgery and not resume until you have recovered in approximately three to six months.

Disclose Your Entire Medical History to Your Oral Surgeon

When planning any surgical procedure, including dental implants, you must provide your entire medical history to your oral surgeon during your initial consultation. The information must contain details of all medications you take, including over-the-counter medicines, supplements, et cetera. Taking certain medications during your recovery from the surgery can result in complications. For example, medicines like aspirin can cause bleeding issues. When you discuss your current medications with your oral surgeon, the professional provides advice on necessary precautions that you must take to reduce the risk of complications

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Practicing proper oral hygiene, brushing twice per day, flossing at least once is recommended by most dentists to ensure good oral health and prevent visits to the emergency dentist near me for unexpected treatments. However, it is also essential to keep your mouth clean before dental implant surgery.

During the surgical process to give you a tooth replacement solution, the dentist makes tiny incisions in your gums to embed the dental implant. You must keep your mouth clean to ensure the surgical site doesn’t become infected by the bacteria in your mouth. When you practice proper oral hygiene habits, you reduce your mouth’s bacteria and prevent gum disease. Before you undergo the surgical process, your dentist provides instructions on how to brush and floss after surgery to protect the newly embedded dental implant.

Arrange for Transportation to and from the Dentist’s Office

Dental implant surgery doesn’t require an overnight stay in the dental clinic. Still, you will undoubtedly need transportation to return home because the sedatives and anesthesia will keep you drowsy for a few hours. Driving vehicles or operating machinery is unsafe after receiving anesthesia. Therefore it helps if you arrange transportation with friends or a family member to take you to and from the dentist’s office.

Besides the above must also spend some time preparing for your recovery before undergoing dental implant surgery. For example, you must stock up on ice packs, soft foods, and a soft-bristled toothbrush to ensure you don’t irritate the surgical site when brushing your teeth. You must also arrange for a comfortable place to relax immediately after returning from the dental office.

Insurance providers will likely not support dental implant placement as they equate it to cosmetic dentistry. Therefore you must prepare financially for the procedure well ahead of time to make sure you don’t confront any disappointments.

If you intend to get dental implants as tooth replacement solutions, please do not hesitate to contact Open Wide Dental to receive your dental implants from experienced dentists using state-of-the-art technology.