Parental dental tips

Tooth loss can have a huge impact on a person's self-esteem, not to mention their ability to eat without difficulty or discomfort. While dentures have long been used as a solution to missing teeth, the rising availability of implants has given people a more permanent option.

If you've decided to go ahead with getting implant dentures, you'll probably want to find out what you should expect during the operation and the things you need to do afterwards to care for your new teeth. But first, it's important to learn what you need to do to prepare for getting the implants placed.

Leading up to the day

People are often unsure whether they should eat or drink before the implant operation. Most of the time this procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, where the mouth is numbed using an injection. In this case, you should eat and drink as normal in the lead-up to having your implants placed, but avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand. If, for whatever reason, you'll be put under general anaesthetic, you might not be able to eat for a certain period before the operation, so listen to what your dentist has advised you to do.

While recovery is typically fast, and you'll probably be able to go back to work within a day of surgery, you should consider if you need to make any special arrangements, such as a ride to and from the appointment. It's possible that you'll experience some swelling, which can make speech difficult, so you should advise your employer that this could happen.

If there's anything important you've forgotten to tell your dentist, for example, if you have any allergies or are taking any regular medication, you should let them know as soon as possible in case it affects your treatment plan.

On the day itself

If you've been given an antibiotic medication to take, make sure you don't forget to do so at the time instructed by your dentist.

It's important to arrive in plenty of time for your appointment so you don't risk being late and needing to rearrange the procedure.

You may be feeling nervous on the morning of the operation, but try your best to stay calm. It will be over before you know it, and people usually report that the reality was nothing like their fears. Rest when you get home, and take any medication you've been given, such as further antibiotics.