If thinking about going to the dentist can be scary for many patients, heading towards dental surgery can be even more terrifying. No matter how many times you have gone under surgery, nerves or apprehensions will always arise, and this is normal. However, as a dental practice working on patients for more than ten years, we are here to tell you there is nothing to worry about. Getting a dental implant is a great investment on behalf of your oral and general health. It is the best way to replace missing teeth because it will act as a tooth root and preserve your bone level. It will also work individually, without the need to take other, perhaps healthy, teeth as support. The surgical placement of an implant is a quick and easy procedure, but here are five ways to help you prepare for it.
1. Resolve all your doubts
The more you understand what will happen the more comfortable you will feel with the procedure. Ask your surgeon questions so that you know what is going on. You may even ask him to tell you what he is doing during the surgery. He will also be able to answer questions about the possible risks and complications of your case.
2. Get provisions
After the surgery, you will be asked to keep a soft and cold diet for at least 24 hours. Pack your fridge will cold treats. Smoothies, ice cream, yogurt and shakes will greatly alleviate the inflammation. You will be able to eat soft, lukewarm things by the second day. Get fish, well-cooked pasta and eggs. Do not forget to get gauze and ice packs.
3. Arrange for help
Resting appropriately helps your recovery. Arrange for someone to assist you after your surgery. If you are driving, arrange for someone to take you back. At our clinic, you will be taken back to your hotel by our driver. We will also take you to the pharmacy with a prescription in order to get all the medication you need for several days.
4. Get a good breakfast
Since you will be on a soft diet for the next 24 hours after surgery, be sure to eat well before the surgery. You will also be on antibiotics and it is important to take them with the stomach full to avoid an upset stomach. Also, an empty stomach may generate adverse secondary effects with the novocaine. However, ask your dentist about what is most recommendable in your case. For example, in case you are receiving IV sedation, your surgeon might actually ask you to fast for a certain period of time before surgery.
5. Discuss your daily medications with your dentist
Remember medicine is a component that alters something in your body, and this may also affect surgeries. If you are on regular blood thinners, the surgeon may ask you to suspend them for several days before your surgery. Also, if you have been through serious surgery before you might be asked to have a dosage of antibiotics before. Please do not omit anything when discussing your medications, as seemingly unimportant factors may alter the overall outcome of the surgery.
Dental implant surgery is a relatively simple procedure. At the Costa Rica Dental Team, we use surgical guides to improve its overall precision. These are designed using your 3D computerized tomography and tell the surgeon in what position and angulation to place the implant for the best possible outcome based on your bone density. Apart from this, they allow the dentist to drill without the need to open a flap and make incisions, which translates into easier and faster recovery. This kind of technology is only available through a state-of-the-art facility and a team of dental professionals who work together to provide the best dental care. Contact us now at the Costa Rica Dental Team for more information.
