If you suffer from tooth loss, you may be wondering what treatment options are available to restore your smile. Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement treatment because they provide the most natural feel, look, and function. Dental implant treatment requires surgery and as such, candidates for this treatment must be prepared before undergoing treatment. During patient consultations, Dr. Kalil Abide provides thorough pre-op dental implant instructions at his Jackson, MS practice. To find out if you’re a candidate for dental implant treatment, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Abide today. In the meantime, discover some general pre-operative dental implant instructions in this overview.
Stop Tobacco and Alcohol Use
Both smoking and alcohol use can inhibit the healing process and increase the risk of complications after surgery. Patients should refrain from drinking alcohol during the week of surgery and during the initial recovery. Alcohol’s effect on the blood can cause bleeding complications, which is why it’s important to cease alcohol consumption before and after surgery.
Smoking and chewing tobacco are of particular concern because they significantly increase the risk of implant failure. Smoking and chewing tobacco increase the risk of gum disease, an infection of the gums, which can infect the dental implant site, causing failure. Smoking also decreases oxygen levels in the blood, making it more difficult for the cells to heal themselves, thereby prolonging the time needed for recovery.
Quitting smoking as far ahead of surgery as possible is preferable, but should be stopped no later than two weeks prior to surgery and should not continue until a full recovery is made, which can take three or more months.
Disclose Medications to Your Surgeon
Before undergoing any surgery, it’s important to disclose any medications, including vitamins or supplements, you may be taking to your surgeon. Taking certain medications, vitamins, and supplements during recovery from surgery can lead to complications. Aspirin, vitamin E, Coumadin, and Warfarin can all cause bleeding issues. By discussing your current medications with your oral surgeon, the necessary precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of complications associated with medications.
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
Practicing proper oral hygiene, brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day, is always essential to good oral health but it’s particularly important to keep the mouth clean prior to dental implant surgery. Dental implant surgery requires a small incision to be made within the gums in order to place the implant within the jaw. In order to prevent the incision from becoming infected, it’s helpful to practice good oral hygiene habits well before surgery to reduce the amount of bacteria within the mouth and to prevent gum disease. Before surgery, patients will be given instructions on how to brush and floss after surgery to protect the newly placed dental implant.
Arrange for Transportation to and from Surgery
Before undergoing dental implant surgery, patients should arrange for someone to take them home on the day of their surgery. This is because the effects of sedatives and anesthesia can last for a few hours after surgery, making it unsafe to drive yourself home after treatment.
Other Tips
Patients should also take some time to prepare for recovery prior to undergoing dental implant surgery. Some things to gather before surgery to help with recovery include soft foods, ice packs, and a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the incision site when brushing. Patients should also have a comfortable spot set up to relax immediately after surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
For more information about dental implant treatment, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Abide.