Things You Should Know Before Dental Implant Surgery

If you have missing or damaged teeth that require replacement, then it is likely that you have been looking for an excellent tooth replacement option. At Sandstone Dental, we provide our patients with dental implants in NW Calgary as a permanent, natural-looking, and durable tooth replacement option.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant consists of three main parts: a titanium implant post, a dental crown, and an abutment that functions as a connective piece. The implant post acts as a replacement tooth root, and the crown works to replace your actual missing tooth. A dentist near you will install the implant post directly into your jawbone, providing you with a strong and reliable anchor that also encourages bone growth and development.

Having a replacement tooth root and dental crown ensures that a dental implant will mimic a real tooth in both its appearance and function. If you are considering getting dental implants near you, here are some things that you should do beforehand:

1 Ask Questions

With any medical procedure, it is important to be fully informed. Knowing the procedure will allow you to feel at ease knowing what to expect, such as pre-op and post-op instructions, pain management, and how to take care of yourself following the procedure. Your dentist will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your implant surgery to ensure that you feel comfortable moving forward.

2 Adjust Your Schedule

Make sure that you book your surgery during a time where you don’t have any important commitments or events scheduled for at least one week following the procedure. It is important that you rest and do not overexert yourself for the first three days.
Some people take longer to recover, depending on how many implants they get placed. You won’t know how well you will heal until after the procedure, so keeping an open and flexible schedule is important.

3 Meal Prep

Speak to your dentist in NW Calgary about what you will be allowed to eat after your surgery. They will likely recommend that you stick to softer foods for the first few days following your procedure. Meal prepping is a good way to ensure that you still get all the nutrients you need, but it also allows you to rest without worrying about having to cook while you are trying to recover.
Go grocery shopping and stock your pantry and fridge with your favourite soft foods, such as soups and pasta. If you want to ensure that you are still getting your fruits and vegetables in, make sure to drink lots of smoothies.

4 Find a Ride

If you are feeling nervous before your dental implant procedure, it can be helpful to find someone to take you to and from the appointment. That way, you have the moral support of a loved one and can relax in the car on the way to the dental office without worrying about traffic or parking. Additionally, you will likely be groggy coming out of the surgery, so having someone with you to go over post-op instructions can be helpful.

5 Get Plenty of Rest

The most important thing to keep in mind when getting dental implants is that you need to be gentle with yourself following the procedure. Get plenty of rest and relaxation, both before and after your procedure. Take at least three days off of your regular activities to heal. This means taking time off from work, school, or other fitness activities.

To learn more about preparing for dental implant surgery, please do not hesitate to contact our team at Sandstone Dental.