If you have an upcoming dental implant appointment scheduled, you may be wondering what the best way is to prepare for it. Read on for our tips on how you can get ready for your appointment, so you have a great visit!
How Can I Prepare for Dental Implant Surgery?
There are several things you’re going to want to do in advance of dental implant surgery
- Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to keep germs at bay.
- Take any antibiotics you were prescribed to prepare for your appointment.
- Eat a good breakfast UNLESS you’re having IV sedation. For IV sedation patients, you’ll want to stop eating by midnight the evening before your appointment.
- Arrange for transportation home if you plan on having oral or IV sedation.
- Clear the rest of your schedule for the day. Although you won’t be in pain after your appointment, you will feel some discomfort. Having the rest of the day off to relax will be much more healing for you than rushing back to the office would be!
What Occurs During the Dental Implant Process?
The dental implant process takes place in stages. During your first appointment, we’ll prepare you for the implant by:
- Numbing your mouth, so you feel comfortable
- Removing your damaged tooth
- Preparing your jaw bone for the implant
- Affixing the implant, so it’s snugly in place
- Closing your gums over the implant, so it attaches securely to the bone
After this stage is complete, we’ll then wait weeks—or even months—for your jawbone to heal. Once it does, you’re ready for the next stage. During the second stage of getting your dental implant, we’ll:
Make a small incision in your gums to expose the implant
Take impressions of your mouth, so we can fit you for a crown
Place your new crown in your mouth
What Can I Expect During My Dental Implant Appointment?
You shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure at all. However, at times, you may feel pressure or vibration. Although these sensations won’t hurt, we find that patients rest easier knowing what they can expect during their implant appointments.
Bottom line? The procedure is a fairly common one, and most people find that their fear of getting dental implants is far worse than the implant appointment itself!
What Should I Do If I Still Have Questions About My Upcoming Dental Implant Procedure?
If you have additional questions about your dental implant appointment, please check out our dental implant page which provides more information about the procedure. If that page still doesn’t address your concerns, please call our office. We’ll be happy to help you out.
To reach our N. Murray Hill Road office servicing the Western Columbus area, please contact 614-878-1188. To reach our Northern location in Westerville, call 614-890-5022.
If you haven’t committed to dental implants yet and want to discuss with Dr. Brown whether they’re right for you, please give us a call or schedule a dental implant consultation through our online appointment request form.
