Preparing For Your Dental Implant Surgery
Posted on: 16 May 2018
Dental implants are prosthetic devices that are inserted into the bone of the jaw to replace the roots of missing teeth. After an implant wound has healed, the implant is covered by a connector and a dental crown, bridge, or denture. For the patient, the resulting restoration is natural in appearance and functionality.
If you have one or more missing teeth, your dentist may have already scheduled your implant surgery. As the date of your procedure nears, you will need to prepare. Dental implants are unlikely to fail after their placement. However, with proper preparation, you can increase your chances of a successful implantation even further.
Here are a few things you can do to ensure that you are ready for your dental implant surgery.
Maintain Meticulous Oral Hygiene for Good Gum Health
By properly brushing, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouth rinse, you can encourage good gum health. Your periodontal health significantly impacts the viability of your implant.
People with periodontal disease may experience problems with the healing of their implant wound since inflamed gums may not support the implant properly. Additionally, they can encourage bacteria to invade the wound, possibly causing an infection. As you brush and floss, you remove plaque that contains harmful bacteria. Much of the inflammation that causes gum disease is due to the acids that are released by oral microbes.
The use of an antibacterial mouthwash can further control the bacterial population in the mouth. The mouth rinse is even able to reach between the folds of the soft tissues and other areas of the oral cavity that are not readily accessed by a toothbrush or floss. The cleaner your mouth, the less your likelihood of having gum problems that interfere with the healing of your dental implant wound.
Refrain From Using Tobacco
People who smoke or chew tobacco may experience problems with their dental implant wound. Smoking can reduce the amount of oxygen that is available at the implantation site. Additionally, chemicals in tobacco can cause inflammation that slows the healing of the surgical wound.
It is best to stop your tobacco usage as early as possible to reduce the chance of implant complications. If you have trouble avoiding tobacco, your dentist can offer advice and medications that can make it easier to overcome your habit.
For more ways to prepare for a dental implant procedure, contact the office of a dentist in your local area to schedule a consultation.
Share