Dental implant procedure is a dental treatment in which a small titanium post is inserted into your jawbone where the root of your missing tooth was. There are many benefits of having dental implants. You can forget about wearing dentures and you will feel much more confident to smile at anyone because you have your teeth back.
However, before undergoing this medical procedure, it is crucial that you know what to do and expect during such an event so that no matter how scary or painful the process might be, with proper knowledge ahead of time, there should be nothing for you to worry about at all!
A thorough discussion about the upcoming dental implant procedure must be made between you and your dentist prior to surgery. This way, he or she can explain everything to you regarding the dental implant procedure and will make sure that you are ready for this medical operation.
Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect During Surgery
One common question that patients often ask is “what will happen during my dental implant procedure?” This is a normal question especially if you have family members or friends who have previously undergone similar surgical procedures in the past.
Preparing yourself beforehand would help alleviate any fear, anxiety and stress regarding what might happen during your dental implant surgery.
The most important part of preparing yourself for such a process is by getting all of your questions answered by your dentist as well as signing a consent form which contains all of the details about the surgery including the following things:
1. What exactly is going to happen during the dental implant procedure?
2. Why do I need a dental implant and why now instead of later?
3. How long will the surgical process take?
4. Will I feel pain or discomfort?
5. Are there any risks involved in this surgery and what are some of them?
6. What kind of anesthetic will be used on me and how long will it last?
7. Who else is going to be present during my medical operation aside from you and other members of your staff?
8. Is there anything that I should not eat or drink before the surgery because the anesthesia might hinder my ability to digest certain foods and liquids properly?
9. When should I plan to go home after the surgery is over?
10. What kind of medication do I need to purchase from a drug store after the operation is done?
If you are going through a dental implant procedure, it is best that you ask your dentist all of these questions and more so that there are no surprises during or after your medical operation.
Once everything has been discussed thoroughly between you and your dentist, everything else would proceed smoothly on the day of your scheduled dental implant procedure. Expect for the following things to happen during your surgery:
- You will be escorted into an examination room where he or she will carefully examine your mouth as well as take x-rays in order to get a clear picture of what exactly needs to be repaired or replaced.
- The surgeon or another member of his or her staff will then remove your old teeth with the latest dental technology made available in the market today.
- Your jawbone will be etched so that it can be prepared for a new implant.
- The dentist/surgeon will then insert a titanium post, also known as dental implants, to replace part of your missing tooth.
- He or she may use special tissue-regenerating materials called grafts to help promote natural healing.
- Once your mouth is completely ready, an oral surgeon or doctor will put a crown on top of the implant.
- You should be able to go home after being discharged from the hospital.
Preparing yourself for Dental Implant Surgery
As mentioned earlier, you need to ask your dentist all of the questions that you have regarding your upcoming dental implant procedure. This way, you will feel more confident about what’s going to happen during surgery and would be able to deal with any complications that may come up along the way.
On top of this, it is highly recommended that you treat yourself before going under anesthesia for surgery. Spend some time at home relaxing before heading to the hospital for surgery. A bit of restful sleep can do wonders in alleviating any anxiety or possible nervousness beforehand. You should also consider taking a bath or shower so as to alleviate any stress, pain or tension that he might be feeling prior to your scheduled appointment. These simple things are all easy tips which anyone could easily accomplish when preparing for their dental implant surgery.
