Setting Yourself Up for Implant Success
Dental implant surgery is a procedure to replace missing teeth by fusing artificial roots made of titanium with your jawbone. At Brown and Baran Family Dentistry, our Wilmington and Seaford, DE, implant dentists, Drs. Paul E. Brown and Christopher S. Baran believe proper preparation is key to ensuring the surgery and recovery go smoothly. Read our article and see our tips on how to get ready for the day before, the morning of, and after your dental implant operation.
The Day Before Your Appointment
Proper preparation the day before your dental implant surgery is crucial for ensuring everything goes smoothly.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could loosen your existing teeth or damage surgical sites. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, eggs, and soups.
- Take any prescriptions as instructed by your dentist, like antibiotics or pain medication.
- Arrange transportation to and from the surgery, as you’ll likely be sedated and unable to drive yourself home.
- Confirm your appointment time and location to make sure you know exactly when and where to go.
- Follow any other pre-operative directives from your dentist, including adjusting medication doses or dietary restrictions.
The Morning of Your Appointment
On the morning of your surgery, be sure to follow these important steps:
- Brush your teeth but don’t eat or drink anything, unless specifically instructed otherwise by your Delaware dentist. This helps prevent complications from anesthesia.
- Take any morning medications you need with just a small sip of water.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily removed or rolled up to keep your surgical sites accessible.
- Arrive on time for your dental surgery appointment so you can complete any remaining pre-op procedures and paperwork.
After Your Appointment
Once you return home after your dental implant surgery, be sure to do the following for proper recovery:
- Expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort following surgery. This is normal.
- Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed to manage pain and prevent infection.
- Apply ice packs to the outside of your face for 10-20 minutes at a time to help reduce facial swelling.
- Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies. Avoid scorching foods.
- Refrain from vigorous activity while you start healing. Follow all of your dentist’s post-op care instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery typically takes two to six months as your jawbone heals and integrates with the implant. You should see a gradual improvement in swelling, discomfort, and diet over time.
Avoid strenuous exercise for at least one week after surgery. After that, ease back into gentle exercise. Don’t do any high-impact activities that could dislodge the implants while they integrate with your jaw.
Most patients take one to three days off work for the initial recovery. Returning sooner will depend on your level of discomfort and job duties. Let your dentist know your work responsibilities to determine the best timeline.
After the implant integrates with your jawbone, it takes three to six months to get a permanent artificial tooth attached to the implant post. Your implant dentist will place a temporary restoration in the meantime.
Regain Confidence in Your Smile — Contact Us Today
Preparing for dental implant surgery requires careful planning and recovery management to ensure you heal correctly and have the best outcome. Contact our Wilmington, DE office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford, DE office at (302) 536-7589 to get started. Don’t go through it alone — let us guide you through the entire dental implant process. We’re here to support you each step of the way.
You can also book your appointment online, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. We proudly serve new and returning patients in Pike Creek, Marshallton, and Stanton, DE. We look forward to caring for your smile!
