Are you soon going to receive dental implants? Your surgery is a pivotal step on your journey to regaining a complete, strong, and confident smile. Still, it is understandable if you are nervous about the road ahead. What can you do to prepare yourself and move forward with confidence? Continue reading this blog post to discover four practical tips.
Ask Questions
A well-informed patient is a less nervous patient! Do not hesitate to ask your surgical team any questions that weigh on your mind, even if you think they seem silly. You can ask about things like your recovery time, potential risk factors, how your care team will keep you safe, how long the surgery might take, and more. Bring a list of questions with you to your appointment so you do not forget to bring up anything that is important to you.
Arrange for Assistance and Communicate Your Needs
Your surgery will temporarily change your routine, so it is important to prepare for your needs ahead of time. For example, if you will be sedated during your procedure, you should have a trusted adult ready to drive you home. You may also need to let your employer know how much time you will need to take off work (most patients are able to work after a few days). If you normally care for physically demanding tasks around the house, ask your spouse or other family members to fill in for you while you recover.
Stock Up on Soft Foods
Take a look at your fridge and pantry. Do you have a lot of soft, easy-to-prepare foods on hand? If not, consider taking a trip to the grocery store. Buy things like protein drinks, bananas, potatoes, pudding, soft meats, broths, and other items that require little to no chewing. You can even prepare and freeze soft meals beforehand so all you have to do is heat them when you are ready to eat.
Follow Pre-Op Instructions
Your surgeon will likely give you a detailed list of pre-op instructions. This might include things like abstaining from cigarettes, taking antibiotics, or temporarily not taking certain medications (such as blood thinners). Follow these directions as precisely as possible, and ask for assistance if any of them feel difficult or confusing.
Preparing for dental implant surgery takes a little time and effort. Make arrangements before your procedure so your experience can be as easy, safe, and low-stress as possible.
Meet the Practice
At Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Katy, we are proud to provide a range of advanced implant services. Our five highly skilled oral surgeons have a wealth of combined experience and education, and we handle each case with great attention to detail. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our office at 832-353-1100.