There’s nothing quite like pre-treatment jitters to make you feel like you’re forgetting something. This can be stressful enough on its own, but you really want your dental implant process to go well. The pressure’s starting to get to you.
When nerves put you on edge, proper preparation can be just the remedy you need! Here are some pre-treatment tasks that’ll help you release all that anxious energy.
#1. Double-Check Your Recovery Grocery List
Physically placing dental implants has a relatively short appointment time. What might feel long and drawn-out is the recovery process, where you’ll be waiting for your implant posts to integrate with your jawbone. You’ll likely be sore and probably won’t want to leave the house, so it’s a good idea to stock up on essentials. Make sure your shopping list includes:
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen or Tylenol
- Vitamin D-rich foods to promote bone strength
- Calcium-rich foods – also to promote bone strength
- Bottled water if drinking from the tap isn’t your style
- Soft foods for your tender mouth
- Salt for making healing saltwater rinses
As a bonus, while you’re walking around searching for these items, you might get enough steps in to relax your mind!
#2. Schedule Ahead for Time to Relax
Will you need someone to drive you home after your placement? Have you requested time off to rest? What about household chores? Is there someone who can help you with that? Even those who seem to possess endless energy will be down for the count after certain dental treatments. Instead of planning for these things at the last minute or being forced to ask for spontaneous assistance, make arrangements well in advance. You’ll be glad you did!
#3. Hit The Books and Prepare Questions
Reading up on dental implants and the treatment process isn’t just a good idea for ensuring you’re well-informed. It will also help you think of questions for your dentist. No question is too small or too detailed. Your dentist wants you to feel comfortable and confident in the process and will be more than happy to provide answers. If something doesn’t make sense while you’re researching, make a note so you don’t forget to bring it up.
#4. Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
Your dentist might have already given you some homework to do before your dental implant treatment. Reviewing and following these instructions is the best proactive action you can take. After all, the point of them is to help your placement go smoothly! You might even find that your dentist has already answered some of your questions.
If you go through all these suggestions and still feel stressed, you can always call your dentist. They can confirm whether you’ve done everything you can to prepare for your upcoming dental implant appointment. Remember, your dentist has your back!
About the Practice
Our team at Beverly Farms Dental is ready and willing to respond to your dental questions! When it comes to dental implants, few are more qualified than Dr. Justin Cifuni. He’s a board-certified periodontist, meaning that the topic is his specialty. If you’d like more advice on preparing for dental implant treatment, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Cifuni or one of our other highly experienced dentists. You can contact us at 978-927-3515 or explore our website for more information.