Dental implants are like tiny, titanium tooth roots. They replace missing teeth while also providing a secure base upon which dental restorations (like dental crowns or dentures) can rest. If you’re considering implants, then you need to prepare for the procedure and the following aftercare.
Begin the dental implant process by scheduling a dental exam at Austin Laser Dentist with Dr. Helen Ragsdale. Our team can thoroughly examine your smile to help you determine if implants are right for you. Schedule an appointment online here, or call our dental office in Austin, TX, at (512) 346-4690.
Today, Dr. Ragsdale and her team discuss how to prepare for dental implant surgery. We also give you aftercare tips to help you heal better, faster, and more comfortably.
How to Prepare for Dental Implants
Preparing for dental implant surgery requires some strategy. Here’s how we recommend preparing for the procedure.
Schedule a Consultation
An in-depth consultation allows Dr. Ragsdale to assess your overall health before making tooth-replacement recommendations. She is looking for specific markers that may qualify or disqualify you from getting dental implants, such as:
- -Healthy teeth and gums
- -Significant tooth loss
- -Dense and strong jaw bones
If Dr. Ragsdale believes that dental implants are right for you, then she initiates the implant process, which may include:
- -Examining your medical history, including current medications
- -Discussing pre-implant procedures, like dental bone grafting
- -Exploring your smile goals
Take Antibiotics (If Necessary)
If you are the recipient of a donor organ or you have artificial joints, then you may need to undergo a round of antibiotics before surgery. Our team works closely with your primary care team to ensure that we safely and properly prepare you for implants.
Dental Bone Grafting (If Necessary)
After prolonged tooth loss, the jaw bone tends to weaken and recede. This can make it more difficult to surgically place dental implants. A dental bone graft builds up and strengthens a weak jaw bone to prepare for implant surgery.
Fast Beforehand
In general, dental implant surgery requires patients to fast for approximately 8 to 12 hours before the procedure. Our team will tell you exactly how to prepare for the day of your surgery.
Dental Implant Aftercare
Following the implant procedure, it is normal to experience some pain, swelling, and bleeding. Here are ways to start the healing process faster.
Take Painkillers
Whether prescription or over-the-counter, painkillers can help you block pain and focus on a healthy recovery. We recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen for general pain management.
Keep Swelling at Bay
Some swelling after surgery is normal. Fight painfully puffy gums, cheeks, and lips by applying ice packs to the face for approximately 20 minutes every two hours after surgery.
Staunch Bleeding
Minor bleeding for 24 hours after implant surgery is common. Help a blood clot form by gently applying pressure with a sterile gauze pad.
Eat Wisely
After the implant procedure, we recommend eating softer foods, such as:
- -Scrambled eggs
- -Soups
- -Stews
- -Smoothies
- -Mashed potatoes
- -Apple sauce
It is also best to avoid overly spicy, hot, or acidic foods. These kinds of foods may irritate a newly embedded implant.
Practice Great Oral Hygiene
Optimal oral hygiene is crucial to the healing process. Keep the mouth healthy and clean by continuing to:
- -Gently brush at least twice a day
- -Gently floss at least once a day
- -Softly rinse with a saltwater solution to keep bacteria at bay
Dental Implants in Austin, TX
Dental implants have an incredible five-year survival rate of roughly 98%, making them an ideal tooth-replacement solution for most patients. Contact Austin Laser Dentist today to verify your candidacy. Just send us a message here, or call us at (512) 346-4690.
