Getting Yourself Ready For Dental Implants
It's easy to get nervous about surgical procedures, even if they are minor. Dental implant procedures are considered surgery and some patients get worried about what will happen and how it will go. To help you get yourself ready for an upcoming dental implant procedure, read and follow the tips found below.
Talk to Your Dentist
No matter how many dental implants your dentist has successfully performed, it might be your first time and you probably have questions. Rather than staying up at night worrying about what will happen, jot down some questions for your dentist. You will be meeting with them several times as you prepare for the surgery, and you can be ready with your list.
It's often the unknown that is the most concerning to those about to have any type of surgery. Dental implant surgeries are surprisingly simple procedures. Depending on the type of surgery that is appropriate for you, you can expect the following:
- You are provided with anesthesia. The type you have is decided on in advance.
- Once the anesthesia is working, your dentist makes a tiny incision in your gum.
- A small drill may be used to make a place in your jawbone for the post that will hold the implant.
- The incision is closed with a few stitches.
- In some cases, a temporary crown is placed on the post. In other cases, the permanent implant crown is placed.
Once you are ready, you can leave (with the help of a friend or loved one).
Distract Yourself
The day before a surgical procedure can be the time when some patients are suddenly overcome with anxiety. It's best to plan an outing with friends. You might want to have a nice restaurant meal or go to a movie to get your mind off the surgery. Just be sure to abide by your dentist's instructions about when to stop eating.
Get Your Home Ready
It's easier to cope with a surgical procedure like a dental implant if you make things ready at home. With that in mind, consider making these moves:
- Arrange to take some time off work, if possible. That way you can look forward to resting for a couple of days rather than just having one day off.
- Plan for foods you can eat. Your dentist can give you instructions, but generally, you will want soft foods like yogurt, chicken, tuna, smoothies, ice cream, etc.
Soon you will be wondering why you ever worried about having dental implants. Speak to your dentist to find out more.
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