How To Prepare for a Dental Implant Procedure | Dental Implants, Wichita, Kansas

Before scheduling your dental implant procedure, it is essential to visit your dentist for a comprehensive dental exam. A dental exam will not only help your dentist determine if you are a good candidate for a dental implant, but it will also provide your dentist with information to construct a proper treatment plan specific to your needs. During your initial dental exam, you should expect to:

• Have dental X-rays and 3D images taken.
• Have models made of your teeth and jaw.
• Discuss your medical records with your dentist, including any medical conditions you may have or any medication you may be taking—this should include prescription and over-the-counter drugs or supplements.

After your initial dental exam, your doctor will determine a proper treatment plan based on various factors previously discussed, including the amount of teeth that need replacing, the condition of your jawbone, and the condition of your remaining teeth. If your dentist believes that you will be a good candidate for a dental implant, they will outline a proposed timeline of the process from beginning to end. While this process will vary from patient to patient, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more to finish the process entirely. A typical treatment plan may include:

• The removal of any damaged teeth.
• Jawbone preparation or bone grafting surgery when necessary.
• Placement of the implant.
• Allotted time for bone growth and healing.
• Abutment placement.
• Artificial tooth placement.

If you have decided to proceed with a dental implant, one of the first things your dentist will do to prepare you for the procedure is prescribe immunosuppressant drugs to prevent the body from attacking the implant. You will start taking these antibiotics prior to your dental implant surgery, so it is important to consult with your dentist to learn when you should begin taking the antibiotics and the dosage you should be taking.

After you have undergone any initial procedures to prep your mouth for dental implant surgery, such as any necessary tooth removal or bone grafting, there are a few things that you should do directly before the procedure to prepare your body for surgery. If you and your dentist have decided that you will receive the surgery under general anesthesia, you will be required to fast for 12 hours before your surgery takes place. It is also a good practice to wear loose and comfortable clothing to your procedure to help the surgery go smoothly. Based on your dentist’s prescription and instruction, continue to take your antibiotics to prevent the body from attacking the implant after surgery.

To ensure correct after-care for your implant procedure, you should plan ahead and arrange for additional help immediately following surgery. Whether you have dental implant surgery in multiple different phases or all at once, you will likely experience physical discomfort, including swelling and bruising of skin and gums, pain at the implant site, and minor bleeding. Allow yourself a few days to rest following the procedure and make any additional arrangements necessary, including:

• Scheduling two days off work or any other social engagements.
• Pre-planning meals and stocking up on soft foods.
• Making arrangements for childcare or additional help at home.
• Taking a break from exercise.