Dental implants are an excellent way to replace single or multiple teeth that are missing, damaged, or decayed.
They vastly increase the quality of life, provide superior levels of comfort versus non-permanent options while and restoring typical jaw, tooth, and mouth functionality.
But many patients experience nerves as their dental implant procedure approaches.
So, how can you best prepare yourself for the after-effects of dental implants in London?
Read our handy guide to find out and get ready for your new smile with confidence.
Preparing for tooth implants in London: procedure day
The day of your procedure is likely to be busy and taxing on you and your body, so it is important that you put yourself in the best position to help stay comfortable and get the healing process underway.
Here’s how the professionals advise getting ready for procedure day.
Get a good night’s sleep
Here at Marylebone Implant Centre, we know you will be nervous before your upcoming procedure.
However, a good night’s sleep beforehand can be very beneficial for both your physical and mental health, help lower your sensitivity to pain and help you feel your best.
While we understand it may be difficult, having rest before your procedure is almost as important as having it after.
Eat a good meal
Your dental professional will tell you beforehand if and when you need to stop eating before your procedure, but before this deadline, try to eat a good, nutritious, decent-sized meal.
This will give your body fuel; ensure you have adequate blood sugar levels and help kick-start recovery.
It might also be your last chance to eat something solid for a while so make it something you really enjoy!
Wear comfortable clothes
While you will likely wear a protective gown or drape during your treatment, wearing something comfortable will help you relax and will stop any possible fidgeting. We doubt you want to sit in the dentist’s chair in jeans.
Similarly, your mouth and jaw are likely to be tender after your surgery, so consider tops that are fuss-free, looser around the neck, and easy to change out of. These are less likely to interfere with your jaw when you take it off that night for bed.
Organise transport and childcare
If you are having a form of general anaesthetic, you will likely not be able to drive or look after your children for the next 24 hours. As such, we guarantee you’ll appreciate a lift home from a friend or loved one on the day and someone to watch the children for the night.
Prepare a list of questions
How often have you been ready to ask an important question that has completely escaped you on the day?
The nerves and excitement of procedure day may mean that you forget to ask any remaining questions, so writing a list of things to ask can be an easy, simple way to get clarity while also ensuring you drift off to sleep peacefully
Our dental professionals will be glad to go through any queries with you before your procedure, to ensure you feel comfortable and confident.
Have some time booked off and alert your employer
Patients who undergo more extensive treatment on a Friday will generally find themselves ready to go back to work on the following Monday.
While patients having single dental implants may find they are ready to go back to work the next day.
Every patient is different and while your dental professional can give advice, you may have to play it by ear after your procedure.
As such, explain to your workplace about your upcoming dental implants in London and advise that you may need more or less time off, depending on how you feel.
Having this organised in advance will help you relax and recuperate effectively.
Preparing for dental implants: long-term recovery
While most people will feel better the day after their tooth implants are fitted, patients who undergo more extensive treatment may need longer to recover.
To do so properly, planning the next week and long after your surgery will make sure you are ready, prepared, and can relax.
Stock up
Stocking up on meals and pain relief and any household necessities will mean that you won’t have to worry about leaving the house when you don’t have the energy.
Softer foods are essential after your procedure as you may not be able to chew properly and could injure the procedure site by accidentally biting the delicate parts of your mouth.
Recommended foods include:
- Soups, smoothies, broths, meal replacement drinks or milkshakes, and juices.
- Porridge and other soft cereals.
- Mashed potatoes.
- Scrambled eggs and tofu- these can be paired with soft cheeses, sliced meats, and a range of seasonings which will give flavour without extra chewing.
- Soft meats and fish
Arrange a light week
While not possible for everyone, arranging a lighter week at work might be beneficial.
This will mean if you aren’t firing on all cylinders just yet, you won’t miss any important deadlines or get behind.
Similarly, keeping extra activities to a minimum will allow you to rest up which will help with healing- giving you the perfect excuse to skip the gym and curl up with a series!
For tooth implants in London, consider the experts here at Marylebone Implant Centre.
As finalists in the 2021 Private Dentistry Awards for Best Patient Care, we would love the opportunity to help you change your life in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Give us a call on 020 34 34 29 34 to speak to our friendly team, or fill in our enquiry form and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.
View our dental implant costs London.