Preparing for Dental Implant Surgery

If you have decided to move forward with dental implants to replace your missing teeth, it is critical that you start with a healthy foundation. In order for an implant to be successful, it must have adequate and healthy support from surrounding bone and tissues. The healing stage after implant surgery is one of the most important steps in the entire process. Therefore, not only does your mouth need to be healthy, but your overall body needs to be in a condition that can foster optimal healing.

General Credentials 

First and foremost, you must have missing teeth to get dental implants. Next, your dentist will perform an evaluation to make sure that your mouth is free of decay and disease. It will also be necessary to get your medical history and ensure you are in good overall health. If you have a chronic condition, like diabetes, it will be important that you have it under control before getting implants. Finally, smoking is not a good mix with dental implants because it significantly impedes the healing process and puts you at risk for infection and implant failure. If you are a smoker, you’ll need to kick your habit for a certain period of time before and after implant surgery.

Potential Procedures Prior to Surgery

While many patients can proceed with dental implant surgery without any additional procedures, there are some that must undergo some type of procedure to prepare the mouth for a permanent surgical implant. This is common if the patient has had a tooth or teeth missing for a long period of time. Depending on your specific situation, you may need one of the following procedures prior to your implant placement: 

• Bone grafting
• Sinus lift
• Tooth extractions
• Ridge augmentation or preservation
• Gum reshaping/tissue regeneration 

The need to undergo a preparatory procedure before your implants may certainly lengthen the process. However, these are important treatments that will ensure your implant is successful long term – which means a lifetime of a stable and confident smile! 

Ready to learn more about preparing for your dental implant surgery? As implant specialists, we can recommend ways to promote a successful oral surgery, fast healing and rewarding results towards your new smile. Call 1899 Dental Implant today!