Has your care team already scheduled your dental implant surgery? If so, you are no doubt excited about your upcoming procedure. But you might also be a bit apprehensive. A degree of nervousness is normal! Being well-prepared can help to soothe anxiety and make your treatment experience as easy as possible. Here are some simple things you can do to feel ready for the big day:
Communicate with Your Dentist
Instructions from your dental team supersede any general advice that you might find online, so do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions. You can ask about things like what kind of sedation (if any) will be used, what you can expect during your recovery, the approximate length of your appointment, and more. Make notes about the things you want to ask so you do not forget to mention anything important.
Stock Up on Soft Foods
Immediately after your surgery, you will need to stick to a no-chew diet and then to a soft food diet. To avoid work and extra trips to the grocery store after your surgery, do a bit of meal prep beforehand. You can purchase things like protein drinks, broth, applesauce, avocados, and even ice cream.
Arrange for Support
It is important to get enough rest after your surgery. Although you may be able to return to work within a few days, you still need to be mindful about avoiding a lot of physical activity. To that end, you might need to ask if family members or friends can help with some of your usual chores for a few days. Also, if you will be sedated during your procedure, you should have a trusted adult drive you to and from your appointment.
Take Medications as Directed
In some cases, patients are asked to stop taking certain medications before dental implant surgery. Or, you might be directed to start taking some. Comply with whatever your dentist directs you to do. Following their instructions can lower the risk of issues like infection, bleeding, and dangerous medication interactions.
Care for Your Comfort
On the day of your surgery, start off with a filling breakfast (if you will be sedated, however, you might be required to fast). Choose a comfortable outfit that will not make you feel restricted. Also, set up the space around where you plan to rest. Whether you will be hanging out on the couch or in your bedroom, put important items within arm’s reach. This might include pain relievers, some water, a charger for your phone, and your favorite pillow.
There is no need to be overly anxious about dental implant surgery. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can look forward to a smooth experience.
Meet the Practice
At Family Dental Practice of Newington, our highly skilled team is proud to offer start-to-finish dental implant services in a welcoming environment. We want to support our patients in whatever way we can, and we are happy to answer questions. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our office at 860-856-6201.