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Read about the precautions to be taken before a dental implant
A dental implant can restore function and improve your smile.
When preparing for a dental implant procedure, certain key precautions should be taken before, during, and after your dental implant surgery. Dr. Parthasarathi Reddy, Founder Chairman FMS Dental Clinics, Hyderabad shares the precautions one must take before a dental implant:
Before the Surgery
– Medical History: Provide your complete medical history, including any current medications, allergies or conditions like diabetes, heart disease or autoimmune disorders.
– X-rays and Imaging: X-rays and 3D scans will be taken to assess bone structure.
– Blood Tests: Vitamin D, Ionic Calcium and other blood tests will be required.
– Smoking: It’s advisable to quit smoking at least few weeks before the surgery and ideally after to prevent implant failure.
– Antibiotics and Pain killers: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections. Pain relief medications will also be prescribed
– Blood Thinner: Blood thinners should be stopped few days before the procedure but under the guidance of Cardiologist.
– Type of anesthesia: Fasting is adviced incase procedure is done in General anesthesia. (no food or drink for 6-8 hours before surgery).
– Arrange escort: If you’re receiving sedation, arrange for someone to drive you to and from the appointment, as you may not be able to drive afterward.
During the Surgery
- Local Anesthesia or General anesthesia: The surgeon decides on which kind of anesthesia would be opted for.
After the Surgery
– Post operative pain: Some discomfort or swelling post-surgery should be expected and can be managed with pain killers. Use ice pack intermittently for swelling only on the day of procedure.
– Brushing: Avoid brushing directly around the implant site for few days. Your dentist will guide you. Use an antiseptic mouthwash if recommended.
– Diet: Stick to a soft food diet for a few days after surgery to avoid placing unnecessary stress on the implant. Avoid chewing on the side of the implant until it fully heals.
– Avoid Physical Strain: Refrain from intense physical activities for a few weeks after surgery to ensure proper healing. Watch for signs of infection or implant failure such as fever, swelling, excessive bleeding or unusual pain. Contact your maxillo-facial surgeon immediately if you notice these symptoms.
Any Impact on health?
A dental implant can restore function and improve your smile. With proper care and checkups, implants can last 20 years or more. Dental implant placement procedure is relatively safe but there are a few things to consider:
– Risk of Gum Disease: Proper oral hygiene is crucial. If you don’t care for the implant site, Peri-implantitis can occur (infection of the gum tissue around the implant).
– General Health: Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or autoimmune disorders might increase the risk of complications during healing. However, many people with these conditions can still get dental implants with proper management and care.
– Bone Health: For insufficient bone in the jaw, bone grafting may be necessary before the implant can be placed.
– Infection: If post-operative instructions are not followed then risk of infection is possible.
– Nerve Damage: Rarely, a temporary numbness can be caused if the implant is close to a nerve.
– Implant Failure: Though rare, the implant can fail to integrate with the bone (osseo-integration), leading to the implant loosening.