So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and invest in dental implants – great news! You’re one step closer to achieving your dream smile and getting your confidence back. But before you get to the fun part (like showing off your brand new pearly whites), there’s some things to do when it comes to preparing for dental implant surgery.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about dental implant preparation – from the initial consultation with us to planning for your recovery. By the end of this, you’ll be fully equipped to face the journey ahead like a pro.
The first step in preparing for dental implant surgery is scheduling an initial consultation with us. This isn’t just a quick ‘open wide and say “ahh” session’; it’s a very comprehensive evaluation to determine whether dental implants are right for you.
A health check – One of our skilled dentists will ask you questions about your overall health. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, gum disease, or smoking habits can affect implant success, so it is important we are aware of any of these.
X-Rays and scans of your teeth – These help your dentist assess the quality and quantity of your jawbone. If your bone isn’t dense enough, a bone graft might be necessary before the implant procedure, so it is a vital step in the process.
Discussion time – This is the perfect time to ask questions and discuss concerns. At Smile Stories, we ensure every patient understands their treatment plan inside and out before we get started.
Top tip – Bring a list of medications and your medical history to the consultation. It’ll save time and ensure nothing is overlooked.
If you’re a smoker, you may want to read on – smoking can significantly reduce the success rate of dental implants, and here’s why:
For best results, stop smoking at least two weeks before and after your surgery. And if you need help quitting, your dentist or GP can point you toward resources to make it easier.
At the end of the day, healthy gums are the foundation of a successful dental implant. So, if your gums are inflamed or infected, they can make the healing process longer and more painful than it needs to be. Keeping on top of your oral hygiene is easier than you may think.
At Smile Stories, we’ll assess your oral hygiene routine during your consultation and recommend adjustments if needed. We want to get your gums in the best shape possible come surgery time!
Did you know that your body’s health directly impacts your recovery time? There are a few things we recommend doing to get ready for surgery:
We often find that one of the most overlooked aspects of preparing for dental implant surgery is planning for your downtime. Recovery shouldn’t be too long or stressful, so a little bit of planning could make all the difference.
Finally, let’s talk about mindset. When it comes to preparing for dental implants, understanding what lies ahead can make a huge difference in how you feel throughout the whole process.
At Smile Stories, we’ll guide you through every stage of the dental implant process, so you’re never in the dark about what’s happening or what to expect next.
Proper preparation for dental implants is the secret to a smooth, successful experience. By taking the time to improve your health as much as you can and understand the process, you’re setting yourself up for a much speedier recovery, so you can enjoy your new teeth as soon as possible.
At Smile Stories, we’re committed to making your journey as seamless and stress-free as we possibly can. From your initial consultation to post-surgery care, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Ready to get started? Book your consultation today and let us help you prepare for your new smile!