Some Tips to Deal with Dental Implant Anxiety
All types of surgery can cause some mild anxiety, but for some, dental surgery can be a bit more intimidating. No matter how much you trust your dentist, it's natural to have some nervousness. After all, it's not something you do very often, and the surgery could represent a disruption in your routine. For some tips that should help you cope with dental implant anxiety, read below.
Talk About Your Anxiety
Your dentist understands how patients can feel about dental surgery. They know that it's not unusual for patients to worry about what will happen and, worse, what could happen, during surgery. Your dentist may want to explain the procedure in a step-by-step manner. Chances are, you will be surprised at the simplicity of dental implant surgery. It's not complex and usually takes only a short time to be finished.
If you have questions, ask them at an appointment prior to the surgery date. Most of the time, you will meet with your dentist and discuss things like what to do before the surgery, your anesthesia choices, and how to take care of your implant afterward. This is a good time to bring up any questions you may have about the implant process. Ask about any potential complications of the surgery and the odds of anything unexpected happening.
Busy Yourself with Preparations
Try to schedule your dental implant surgery near the weekend and take a day or so off from work and your usual routines. You won't be able to work out until your dentist gives you the go-ahead, so plan on taking it easy for two or three days, or more, if possible. Plan your meals with an eye toward soft but nutritious foods. Some people prefer cold drinks, so smoothies and protein drinks are ideal for the first few days post-surgery. Also consider soup, frozen yogurt, and pasta dishes.
Most dental implant patients choose a form of anesthesia that will require them to have someone with them to drive them home. You might want to arrange for someone to be with you for a few hours after the procedure to keep an eye on you. For the next few days, focus on taking care of yourself and recovering from the surgery. Although dental implant surgery is considered minor, all types of surgery can impact people in unexpected ways. You may feel more tired than usual or have some problems concentrating. That can be because of the anesthesia, and everything will return to normal in a day or so.
Get a good night's sleep before your surgery. Before you know it, you will be showing off your new smile. Ask a dentist for more tips to help you be prepared.
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