Knowledge of the general health of a patient is very important before carrying out a dental implantation. Post-surgery health is also important because it helps to hasten the quick healing of the surgery area.

Orthodontists ensure proper evaluation is carried out before a dental implant procedure. The procedure might require a second surgery so careful assessment before commencement is paramount.

According to the chief orthodontist consultant at OrthoSynetics, “patients are better served when they are cared for by orthodontist that are focused on what they love doing and do not have to worry about administrative and marketing activities.”

Here are the factors that the orthodontists need to evaluate before a procedure:

1. Medical condition

Your medical history is required. This includes information on other implants you’ve done, your medical condition at the time, medications you are on, and other medication you have taken at a given period of time. Your heart condition will also be taken into consideration. Based on information gathered, the doctor might prescribe an antibiotic to you to help prevent post-surgery infection.

2. Dental X-ray

Dental x-rays are taken and the results thoroughly examined before a dental implantation process is done.

3. Treatment

Before a dental implant is done, the type of treatment to be given is reviewed. The orthodontist considers the number of teeth to be implanted, the strength of the jaw bone and the position of the tooth to be implanted.

4. Pain Control Options

The doctor will relay the options available on how best to control pain. You can decide to go for a general anesthesia or sedation, based on your choice, you will be advised on what to eat or drink before the surgery.

Post Dental Implantation Care

Like stated above, a good post dental implantation health is vital for a seamless healing process. Listed below is the necessary care to be taken to achieve a quick healing of the surgery area.

• The first hour: You don’t need to change the gave packs placed over the surgery area except if there is persistent bleeding; then you remove the initial gauge and place a fresh set and apply pressure and reduce bleeding. Allow the fresh gauze to stay for another 30 minutes before you remove it. If there is no persistent bleeding you can gently remove the gauge packs after the first hour.
• Keep the mouth clean: It is important to maintain a good oral hygiene after a dental implant. You should brush gently the night of surgery, in the case of little bleeding, a salt water solution rinse can be applied. Though you do not need to rinse vigorously, the rinse should be done 2 to 3 times daily especially after food.
• Minimize Activities: We advise you to rest, especially the first day of the dental implantation surgery. You should reduce or totally avoid strenuous activities. They will only increase pain and bleeding in the surgery area. You are also likely to get light headed when you make sudden movements, so for the first 3 or 4 days following surgery, we advise that exercise should be avoided.
• Diet: Extremely hot food should be avoided after receiving a dental implant. Fluids or pureed foods in the first few days of surgery are preferred. Eat foods that are nourishing and don’t cause discomfort in the mouth. Your progression to solid foods should be gradual over the next several days, however, you must not skip meals because you need the nourishment from food to heal better and regain strength.
• Sore Throat and Dry Lips: They are both common occurrence after an oral surgery. For dry lips, you have to keep your lips moist by applying ointments. The sore throat does not require you taking a medication as it will go on its own in 2 to 3 days.

Technology plays an integral part in our lives nowadays. For instance, What Implant Is That? is an interesting app when it comes to dental plants.

You can contact us immediately if you have any specific question or issue not addressed in this article.