Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.
Dental implants require a surgical procedure, and while this procedure isn't as invasive as many other forms of surgery, it's very important that you make the necessary preparations. These preparations must be made prior to your operation, and this is for your comfort and safety and to ensure the ultimate success of your dental implant surgery. What should you be considering?
Smoking
If you're a smoker, you must prepare for the fact that cigarettes (and anything else you might smoke) must be avoided for as long as possible after your dental implant surgery. Smoking has an adverse effect on your postoperative healing and can lead to implant failure. You should obtain a nicotine substitute prior to your surgery. This should be nicotine patches, as opposed to nicotine gum or an inhaler, as consuming nicotine via your mouth can aggravate the implant site.
Eating
You should plan your last meal prior to your surgery. As you will be receiving anesthesia for the procedure, your dentist will instruct you to avoid eating and drinking prior to the surgery (generally for the preceding 8 hours). It's helpful to eat something appropriate beforehand, and you might wish to opt for a meal with a low glycemic index, as this promotes gut hormone production and can help you to feel fuller for longer. Also, you should stock up on soft foods that you can safely consume after your surgery. Ask your dentist for dietary recommendations.
Antibiotics
Some patients might require antibiotics prior to their dental implant surgery. This is not the case for everyone and is generally reserved for those with a pre-existing medical condition whose immune system will benefit from assistance to aid the healing process and prevent complications. Your dentist will tell you if this applies to you, and it's important to fill the prescription so you can begin taking your medication with sufficient time for it to have the necessary effects.
Postoperative Considerations
You will feel groggy after the procedure, and this is largely due to the lingering effects of the anesthesia. This means you will need a family member or friend to drive you home, so be sure to make these arrangements. As soon as your dentist releases you, you will want to go home for rest and recuperation. It's important to account for this and to take any necessary time off work or school and to obtain assistance with any other commitments (such as childminding).
Your dental implant surgery and subsequent recovery will be far more straightforward if you make the necessary preparations ahead of time.
Share21 April 2021
