Are You Afraid to Go to the Dentist?

A dental implant can drastically change an individual's life. If you have been suffering from missing teeth, a good implant can improve your day-to-day living in ways you have only dreamt about. That being said, it can sometimes be quite an ordeal, and you should give a lot of thought to how you prepare and plan to recover in order to have the most positive outcome. 

Preparation. Depending on what type of sedation you and your doctor agree upon, you may need to not eat or drink for around 12 hours before your procedure. This is usually so that you do not vomit during the procedure. Talk to your dentist to see if there are fasting restrictions. In addition to fasting, you may want to do some meal prep in preparation for your big day. One of the last things you will want to do after a procedure like this is to prepare meals for yourself, especially since you will not be able to chew comfortably. It is a good idea, therefore, to stock up on smoothies, soups, and meals with soft ingredients like pasta. The only other thing you need to prepare is a ride to and from the dentist, since your sedation will likely incapacitate your safe driving abilities. 

During the Procedure. Try to remain calm during the procedure. Think about the discussions you have had with your dentist and the trust that you have placed in them. You may experience some discomfort, but just be open with your dentist and they will probably make some minor adjustments in order to make you more comfortable. 

Recovery. Following a dental implant procedure, you will probably have some pain, swelling, and bleeding. Try to stay on top of your pain by taking any medication that has been prescribed to you as directed on the label. Ice packs may help the swelling, and biting down on some gauze will help the bleeding to subside. Take some time to rest and recover. While some patients can be up and about the day following a procedure, this is not the case for all patients. Depending on how many teeth you have had implanted, you may need several days to recover. Good oral hygiene after a dental implant procedure is crucial in order to lower the odds of getting an infection. Follow your dentist's recovery orders as closely as possible in order to ensure good results. 

For more information, get in touch with a clinic such as Amato Dentistry.