What Everyone Should Know Before Seeking Implants
If you have lived with tooth loss, slipping prosthetics, or damaged teeth that require extraction, you may already be thinking ahead toward the life-changing benefits of dental implants. And why shouldn’t you? Millions of Americans have enjoyed restored speech and function following the placement of one or more implants. The restorative procedure is the only treatment that provides natural oral function.
Treat Lingering Oral Health Issues
Before your oral surgery can begin, one of our doctors will need to establish that you are in good oral and overall health. This is one way our dental practice lowers risks for complications or delayed healing following your treatment. We want all of our patients to enjoy a relatively quick and healthy recovery.
Have you been putting off addressing a toothache or gum disease? Those dental problems will need to be treated before a member of our dental team can green-light your dental implant placement. If you have not been to your dentist for a cleaning and check-up, now would be a great time to schedule your next visit. While you’re here, we’ll be glad to explore your candidacy for dental implants.
Address Risk Factors Early
Known risk factors for dental implants include heavy drinking, tobacco use, and certain medications. The National Institutes of Health has found that serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may complicate dental implant placement. Let one of our doctors know about medications you are currently taking. You may need to work with your primary care physician or a specialist to find alternative medications or to temporarily lower your dosage ahead of dental implant placement.
Remember, risk factors do not automatically disqualify you from the life-changing benefits of dental implants. One of our oral surgeons will be glad to explain what risks are or aren’t involved with certain medications.
Tobacco use is a serious risk factor for dental implants. Tobacco use leads to lower jawbone density and an increased risk of infection following surgery. Your doctor will give you specific guidelines, but patients are generally advised to completely cease using tobacco products for a number of months before and after dental implant surgery. Heavy drinking is another potential danger for patients who are recovering from surgery. There are numerous websites and support groups dedicated to reducing or eliminating tobacco use or alcohol consumption.
Prepare a Recovery Room
Having a recovery room that is stocked with nutritious foods, plenty of liquids, medications, and other recovery items can make your recovery comfortable. Planning ahead to fill a bedroom with important items also ensures that you do not have to leave to make unexpected trips outside your home before you are ready.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Treatment Today
Once you have treated dental problems, addressed risk factors, and stocked a recovery room, you can undergo dental implant placement with the confidence of knowing that you are prepared for a successful surgery and recovery.
To schedule your dental implant consultation, please call our office at (573) 335-0300.