If you have a missing tooth either due to dental decay or an accident, you may want to consider getting a dental implant from Centennial Dental Center. By surgically inserting a metal rod into your gums and then placing a crown on top, a dental implant can act just as well as your natural tooth— giving you the ability to chew and function like normal. However, as a multiple step procedure, it’s important that you are taking the necessary precautions so that your mouth doesn’t reject the implant. From quitting smoking to getting dental x-rays, this article will discuss a few ways you can get ready for your dental implant surgery. Read on to learn more.
Quit Smoking
If you are a chronic smoker, the last thing you likely want to do is quit. Not only will you have to deal with cravings and withdrawals, but you will also have to dedicate yourself to quitting. Smoking causes your immune system to weaken which means that you are more prone to infection after getting dental implant surgery. Additionally, smoking may also increase your likelihood of your mouth rejecting the implant altogether. For help with quitting smoking, contact a local hotline today.
Food and Beverages
Depending on the type of anesthesia you have to have during your surgery will help you and your dentist determine if you should limit your food and beverage intake before surgery. For instance, some types of anesthesia will make you sick, and so you will have to fast beforehand.
Dental X-Rays
Before each step of the dental implant procedure, you will have to get dental x-rays done. The initial x-ray is used to determine the strength and health of your jawbone. The second x-ray will be done after the implant is inserted and is there to determine if your jaw has taken the implant or if it has rejected it. If you have never had a dental x-ray, they are pain-free and only last a couple of minutes, so you won’t have anything to worry about.
Taking the proper precautions before your dental implant surgery will help make sure that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible. If you would like to learn more about the steps you should take, contact the dentists at Centennial Dental Center today.
