If you’re considering getting dental work to replace a missing tooth, your dentist will likely recommend implants to you. Usually, replacing one or two teeth is a cosmetic issue, but dealing with missing teeth for long periods of time can increase your chances of tooth decay and gum disease.
That’s why it’s important to schedule a consultation for your implants as soon as possible. During the consultation, your dentist will tell you how to prepare your body for the procedure. However, you’ll need to be ready mentally as well. Here are some helpful tips that will ease some of your fears or concerns about dental implant surgery.
Customize Your Relaxation Plan
It’s common for you to feel nervous or a little fearful about visiting the dentist. However, you may feel better if you customize your relaxation plan so you can look forward to being in a calm environment while you recover.
Create a playlist with your favorite songs and purchase some essential oils that will calm you such as chamomile and lavender. You may also want to check with your primary care provider to see which painkillers are safe for you to take and whether it is safe for you to take supplements that will reduce pain and inflammation.
Your dental team will also tell you how often to change your gauze or dressing and inform you about ointments you can apply to your gums to reduce redness and swelling. When you already know how you plan to heal after receiving your implants, you may feel more comfortable during the process.
Prepare for Aftercare
Even if you know how the dental implant surgery will go from start to finish, you’ll also need to know how to care for your mouth after installation. You may have to take painkillers that are significantly stronger than what you would normally use for a headache or other minor pain.
So, you may be advised not to drive or consume alcoholic beverages for a few days after your surgery. You can also talk to your dentist about the foods you should consume and avoid during your healing time. Be sure to get an official note from the dental staff if you have to miss work or school due to the procedure.
Familiarize Yourself with Technology
You may feel less stressed about going to the dentist if you become familiar with some of the technological tools the dentist can use to give you the smile of your dreams. For instance, you may be able to take advantage of laser technology to remove stains or debris from your teeth and gums instead of having to endure the pain associated with traditional dental tools.
You may also find that there are more efficient ways to numb your gums without the use of needles. For many people, a fear of needles is what keeps them from the dentist, but you can reduce the discomfort of many procedures using medicines like lidocaine instead of receiving an injection.
Ask your dentist about pain management and any procedures you have to undergo before you can receive your implants so you can start preparing your body and mind for the smile-perfecting process.
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask your dental team questions about your implants. Whether you need to know how long your healing time will be or you want to get an idea of how to manage the pain after getting dental implants, your dentist can answer your questions and recommend over-the-counter and prescription medications that will help you recover once you have your new implants.
Once you make the decision to get dental implants, it’s important to communicate with your dentist as often as you need to. The more you talk about the process, the more you can familiarize yourself with each step of the implant installation process. When your implants are completely installed, they’ll work like natural teeth, which means you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite foods and beverages again.
However, you’ll also need to make sure you keep your implants clean and free of debris and food particles by brushing and flossing regularly. Taking the time to mentally prepare for your dental implants can increase the chances that the procedure is successful and you can show off your new smile with confidence.
If you feel like your new smile is a little odd because gums are showing, consider seeing a medical aesthetic doctor who can give you a Botox® injection to hide a gummy smile. Botox® relaxes the muscles so that they don’t move as much. This can enhance a smile by showing fewer gums. The effects of Botox® last 3 to 4 months, and will need to be replenished to continue to see results.