Scared of the dentist? You’re not alone. Studies show that roughly 36% of people suffer from dental anxiety, and an extra 12% on top of that are affected by extreme dental fear.
It’s not uncommon to get the jitters before taking a seat in the dentist’s chair, and it’s even more understandable to be nervous before getting a big procedure like dental implant surgery.
But don’t worry. To put your mind at ease, we’ve put together a guide for preparing for dental implants. Follow these steps, and the whole procedure will go off without a hitch.
So if anxiety about your upcoming surgery is keeping you up at night, you can rest easy. Here’s how to successfully prepare for your dental implants.
Get a Dental Exam
Before you officially schedule a dental implant procedure, it’s a good idea to get a dental exam. This will help your dentist determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants or if some other form of dental care would suit you better.
You may also need further procedures to prepare your jaw to anchor the implants or specific instructions from your dentist about taking or refraining certain medications prior to the surgery.
A dental exam will also help your dentist form a treatment plan for your dental health. It’s a good way to help you properly prepare for dental implant aftercare and will, in turn, make your recovery period much easier.
Plan Your Meals
Since dental implants take a while to heal, you’ll have to adjust your diet so that you don’t do any harm to your teeth or jaw while recovering. Ask your dentist which specific foods are acceptable for you to eat after your surgery.
It’s likely that you’ll be restricted to only soft foods for a while, so stock up on them before your procedure. This will keep you from having to exert yourself to go grocery shopping when you should be resting and recovering.
If you’re going to be sedated during the surgery, you should also make sure that you fast beforehand. Double-check with your dentist for specific instructions, but to be safe, it’s good to refrain from eating anything for around 12 hours before your surgery.
Get Comfortable
You’re going to be there for a while, and you’ll probably want to be as comfortable as possible when the procedure is finished. It’s recommended to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to make sure your body is relaxed and ready for the procedure.
Plan Your Schedule
It’s a good idea to adjust your schedule so that the day after your surgery is free for you to relax. Dental implants are no small thing, and you’ll likely need to rest and recover. Make sure your schedule works for you to take the time you need.
You should also coordinate with your friends and family to make sure someone is free to drive you to and from the surgery.
Learn More About Dental Implants
Dental surgery can be nerve-wracking. But as long as you plan ahead, your procedure will be way more bearable. Not to mention that your recovery period will be much easier than if you hadn’t planned at all.
Click here for more information about dental implants and dental health!