A New Smile Was the Best Investment of My Life

What To Expect From Dental Implant Preparation And Recovery

29 December 2019

Oscar Allen

You may think that if you just lost a tooth in a fight or because of decay that you look cooler than ever, but you may actually causing damage to your mouth. Although your teeth are what make you have a more presentable appearance, when you have one missing it can lead to things like teeth that move around or even jaw bone decay. One of the most common ways that dentists like to fix a missing tooth is with a dental implant. 

A dental implant is a procedure that's typically done in two parts. During the first step, your dentist will essentially screw in a metal rod into your bone. This metal rod is what will act as your artificial tooth's anchor or the tooth's root. Once the rod is in place and has properly healed, your dentist will then typically put a dental crown over the top of it. Because a dental implant procedure is a type of oral surgery, it's important that you know what you can expect from both the preparation and the recovery. 

What Is the Preparation Like? 

Depending on the type of anesthesia that your dentist is planning on using during your surgery, you may not be able to eat for about 8-10 hours before the surgery. No matter what type of anesthesia your dentist is going to use, make sure that you refrain from any alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before your procedure, because it can thin your blood and cause potential complications during surgery. Other than these two things, there isn't much to do when it comes to preparing for this procedure other than finding a ride home. 

What Is Recovery Like? 

Immediately following your surgery, you can expect to be a little bit sore and swollen in your mouth. To help alleviate pain and inflammation, try taking an over-the-counter drug like Ibuprofen and try to ice your cheeks every couple of hours. Additionally, you should watch what you eat for at least a few days after surgery so that nothing gets in or near the incisions. For instance, try to refrain from foods that are hard to chew or that are notorious for being sticky. Instead, stick to foods that are easy to chew and that are soft in texture. 

In addition to dental implants being effective, they are also great because both the preparation and recovery are easy. To learn more, reach out to your dentist today. 

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