Getting dental implants will improve your smile and perhaps your bite and ability to chew. While your dentist will prepare you for your procedure, there are things you can do at home to further enhance your surgical experience. Here are some beneficial things you can do to get ready for your dental implants procedure so that you can enjoy a complication-free procedure and recovery period:
Evaluate Dietary Supplements And Anticoagulant Use
If you take certain dietary supplements such as garlic, fish oil, or magnesium, or if you frequently take aspirin or prescription anticoagulants, you may be at risk for abnormal bleeding both during and after your dental procedure.
The aforementioned dietary supplements can decrease platelet aggregation, which may prevent your blood from clotting effectively. Anticoagulants, otherwise known as "blood thinners," can also prolong your clotting time.
If you take supplements, aspirin, or prescription anticoagulants, check with your physician to determine if you should stop taking them a week or so prior to your implant procedure. If your doctor has recommended that you take aspirin or anticoagulants to reduce your risk for heart attack or stroke, do not stop taking them without first getting approval from your physician. Doing so may raise your risk for developing a dangerous blood clot, cardiovascular event, or cerebral vascular accident.
Limit Smoking
If you smoke cigarettes, try quitting, or at least cutting down a few days before your dental implant surgery. Cigarette smoking can impair circulation and damage the capillaries in your mouth. If the capillary function is not optimal, healing of your implant sites may be slowed.
Smoking may also raise your risk for an infection after your procedure. If you are unable to quit smoking on your own, ask your physician for help. He or she may recommend that you wear a nicotine replacement patch or chew nicotine gum.
Your doctor may also recommend that you take certain prescription medications that may help curb your urge to smoke. In addition to helping you better prepare for your implant procedure, smoking cessation will have many positive benefits on your overall dental health.
If you take dietary supplements, aspirin, or prescription medications, or if you smoke cigarettes, let your oral surgeon known before he or she begins your dental implant procedure. The more your dental team knows about your lifestyle habits, the less likely you will be to develop complications such as infection, poor circulation, and abnormal bleeding. For more information, contact a local dental clinic like Apollo Dental Center.
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