Getting dental implants is a lifelong decision that isn’t something to be taken lightly; it’s not something to be done on a whim. It’s an investment in your health, smile, and confidence that requires mental and physical prep.
Not everyone has the FastNewSmile® team on their side when making the initial decision. So, what’s the best advice to give to someone who is thinking about getting dental implants? At FastNewSmile® Dental Implant Center, our Prosthodontists would divide it into two pieces of advice.
Let’s get into some dental implant advice from the experts at FastNewSmile®.
Pre-Operative Advice
As with any surgical procedure, pre-op is equally as important as dental implant placement itself, especially if you are going for a same-day dental implant treatment.
Here are some of our best tips for getting prepared for your brand-new smile.
Do Your Research
Before getting dental implants, be sure to do your research. Pick a dentist who is experienced, and don’t be shy about asking your dentist about their experience with dental implants.
Go to Your Consultation
We believe the initial consultation is arguably the most crucial step in your dental implant journey. It’s your opportunity to fully understand the procedure, address any concerns, and ensure you’re making an informed decision. Don’t underestimate its importance. A consultation allows you to:
- Be thorough in getting to know your Prosthodontist
- Actively participate in the creation of your new smile
- Ask every question you have about the procedure (i.e., What are the different types of implants? What is the success rate of dental implants? Are there any risks or complications?)
Get Mentally Prepared for Your Surgery
While your dental professional handles the physical aspects of surgery, your mental state plays a surprisingly significant role in your experience and recovery.
Acknowledge and Address Anxiety
It’s completely normal to feel some apprehension about surgery. Don’t ignore these feelings. Talk to your dentist or the consultation team about any anxieties you have.
Arrange Support
Have someone accompany you to and from the appointment, especially if you’ll be receiving sedation. Knowing you have support can significantly ease your mind.
You must also follow all the pre-operative instructions provided by your dentist. From which medications to stop to which medications to take, or whether you need to fast.
Post-Operative Advice
After your dental implant procedure, it’s natural to want to jump back into your regular routine, but slow and steady wins the race here.
The first 24 to 48 hours are crucial for healing, so focus on rest and avoid strenuous activity. Swelling, minor bleeding, and discomfort are all part of the process, but they should gradually improve.
Ice packs can help reduce swelling, and your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe a more potent medication if needed. Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, or scrambled eggs, and avoid anything crunchy, spicy, or too hot while your mouth is still tender.
Good oral hygiene is key, but be gentle. You’ll want to avoid brushing the surgical site for the first few days; let the area settle. Instead, rinse your mouth gently with a saltwater solution a few times a day to keep things clean and reduce the risk of infection.
Smoking and drinking through a straw should be avoided entirely, as both can interfere with healing and increase the chance of implant failure.
Most importantly, keep all follow-up appointments. Your dental team will assess your healing progress, make necessary adjustments, and guide you through each step of your recovery.
Schedule Your FastNewSmile® Today!
Patience now pays off later with a strong, lasting smile. At FastNewSmile® Dental Implant Center in Dallas, we can give you a new smile in one day! If you’re ready to take the leap with dental implants, reach out to us today. We’ll help you schedule your consultation and provide you with all the necessary information for our life-changing procedure.