8 Dental Implant Surgery Questions To Ask Your Dentist Before Your Procedure

Dental implant surgery

Preparing for Your Dental Implant Surgery

Have you decided to explore your options for replacing your missing teeth with dental implants? If you have already committed to this highly regarded tooth-replacement option, you are likely excited about the results! Even with all the excitement, though, feeling overwhelmed or nervous is entirely normal. 

You may have a list of questions a mile long and be worried you won’t remember them all at your next visit.

Consider making a list of dental implant surgery questions before your appointment. This preparation will help you stay focused and ensure your dentist answers all your questions. 

Essential Questions To Ask Before Your Implant Procedure  

You may be wondering what to ask before dental implant surgery. When the doctor asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” you might feel you draw a blank.

It’s good to ask your dentist questions because every patient has unique needs. The answers you receive may depend on how your body responds to anesthesia medications, which anesthesia your dentist will use, or whether you have a bone graft. All questions are good questions, but you can start with these 8 important dental implant surgery FAQs:  

1. Can I keep taking my medications before my treatment?

You can take your prescribed medications on your regular schedule unless you receive other instructions. Exceptions may include blood thinners, but it depends on your case, so be sure to notify your doctor immediately if you’ve had a change in your health or begun any new medicines before your implant surgery.  

2. How long before my appointment should I stop eating and drinking?

If you’re scheduled for sedation dentistry during your implant surgery, it’s essential that you stop eating and drinking a minimum of six hours before your appointment. This ensures the medicine will take full effect and you do not become nauseous. Another important note is that all sedatives are different, so it’s crucial to follow your dentist’s instructions.  

3. Will I need an antibiotic? 

Before a dental implant or a bone grafting procedure, your doctor may tell you to take antibiotics to prevent infection. You’ll receive detailed instructions on how and when to take your medicine. Follow all directions given by your doctor, and take the antibiotics until they are finished.  

4. How soon can I drive? 

You will need a driver to escort you to and from the dental office the day of your appointment. The effects of the anesthesia may take some time to wear off, making you feel sleepy for several hours after treatment. You may also temporarily experience blurred vision, so avoid operating any vehicle or heavy equipment for at least 24 hours.  

5. How long should I expect discomfort? 

Many patients report a peak in discomfort between three and five days after their dental implant placement, but the pain subsides quickly. In most cases, you should feel little discomfort by the end of the first week post-surgery.   

6. What should my diet look like? 

It’s best to stick with soft foods that do not require much chewing the day following your treatment. Soft or liquid foods prevent accidentally chewing your cheeks or biting your tongue. Some of the best foods to incorporate include:

  • Applesauce 
  • Yogurt 
  • Pudding 
  • Smoothies 
  • Ice cream 
  • Mashed potatoes 
  • Creamy soups 
  • Broths

Within a few days, you can add soft foods that require more chewing, like pancakes or pasta. After two weeks, you can normally reintroduce tougher foods, like meat and raw vegetables. However, this hinges on how fast you are healing. 

7. When can I return to my normal activities? 

After your dental implant placement, you’ll need to rest for the remainder of the day. Although your body may feel fine shortly after, adjusting will take time. Overexerting yourself after surgery can hinder the healing process. Therefore, taking a minimum of two days from your regular routine is best.

Personal factors will influence your recovery time. Any chronic medical issues, like a compromised immune system or hormonal imbalance, could delay the healing process. Patients facing these factors will require more time before returning to their everyday routines. 

Gender, age, and implant type will also impact healing time. If your implant surgery included a bone graft, then the teeth, jaw, and mouth might need additional time to adjust.

8. Can my body reject the dental implant? 

Many patients question whether their body will reject their dental implant. In most cases, your body will readily accept the titanium post, and a healthy jawbone will have no issue integrating with the new implant.

However, some patients may have an allergy to titanium and should ask about an alternative implant material, like zirconia.       

Schedule your dental implant surgery with Laurel Manor Dental.

Whether you’re interested in replacing a single tooth or wanting implant-supported dentures, Dr. Rozensky and Dr. Roca of Laurel Manor Dental take the time to carefully explain each procedure so you feel empowered and understand every aspect of your treatment. For superior care that prioritizes both patient comfort and outstanding results, schedule an appointment with us today.