Preparing for Dental Implant Surgery By Eugene D. Stanislaus on December 29, 2014

An elderly man and woman, smiling Dental implants are a great option for permanently replacing one or more missing teeth. If you're considering dental implant surgery, you will need to take steps to prepare for the procedure prior to surgery. Here are some pre-operative dental implant surgery tips from Brooklyn cosmetic dentists Eugene D. Stanislaus and E. Lisa Reid. Following these tips can prepare you for your procedure and increase the chances of implant success.

Stop Tobacco and Alcohol Use

Smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol can all lead to complications and inhibit the healing process after dental implant surgery. Smoking and chewing tobacco pose a threat to the success of dental implant surgery because they decrease the level of oxygen in the blood, which inhibits healing Smoking and chewing tobacco use should be stopped a minimum of two weeks prior to surgery, and should not be resumed until fully recovered three months after surgery.

Alcohol should not be consumed in the days leading up to surgery, the day of surgery, or during the healing process. Like tobacco, alcohol use can affect the body's ability to heal and lead to bleeding complications.

Discuss Any Medications with Your Oral Surgeon

It's important to discuss any medications you're on before undergoing dental implant surgery. Your oral surgeon and physician will advise you on any changes that should be made to keep you healthy and ensure the success of dental implant surgery. Upon doctor approval, medications containing aspirin and vitamin E should not be taken a week prior to surgery and during the initial recovery phase. It is preferable for patients who take Coumadin or Warfarin, medications which inhibit blood coagulation, to cease taking these drugs at least three days prior to surgery, however, cessation of these drugs, or any, must be approved by a primary care physician.

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Keeping your mouth clean and healthy is important at all times. However, it's especially critical when undergoing dental implant surgery. Dental implant surgery requires an incision in the gums. Through the incision, the surgeon will drill a hole in the jawbone and place the titanium implant.

When an incision is created, it's important to keep it clean to avoid infection and other complications. This remains true for dental implant incisions. Brushing and flossing are vital to keeping the mouth clean and preventing infection at the dental implant site. You will be given specific instructions on how to clean your teeth while recovering from dental implant treatment. Using a soft bristled toothbrush, applying light pressure, and gargling with warm salt water can help reduce irritation or other complications after dental implant surgery.

Arrange for Transportation after Surgery

Sedatives or anesthesia are used during dental implant surgery. The effects of sedatives and anesthesia can last a few hours after surgery, so you will need to arrange for someone to take you home after treatment.