Pre-op Instructions for Dental Implants

At Drs. Alex and Jason Hecht’s Staten Island cosmetic dentistry practice, they strive to give patients a smile that is both attractive and healthy. The dentists do this by offering a complete range of dental treatments that meet the oral health needs of patients while improving the aesthetics of the teeth as well. When a patient’s smile is flawed by gaps left by missing teeth, Dr. Alex of Jason Hecht will recommend dental implants, along with the most durable dental restoration available, to replace the missing teeth. Because the dental implants treatment process requires oral surgery, Staten Island patients are provided thorough dental implant instructions that should be followed before the dental implant procedure. By following the pre-op instructions precisely, patients can help ensure that the procedure is safe and successful.

By following these simple pre-op instructions, patients can help improve the long-term prognosis of dental implants success. For patients in Staten Island, dental implants surgery will vary slightly based on each patient’s needs, so specific pre-op instructions will be given at the initial consultation. The following are basic guidelines that patients are usually asked to observe:

• Medication: It is likely that patients will be prescribed an antibiotic medication in order to avoid infection following surgery. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by Dr. Hecht. In most cases, patient should begin using the medication the day before the dental implant procedure. Patients may also be prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, to be taken the morning of surgery. Any other medications that are prescribed to the patient should be taken as usual.
• Anesthesia: At the patient’s initial consultation, Dr. Hecht will determine the type of anesthesia that will be used during the dental implants procedure. Patients who will have intravenous sedation will need to refrain from eating or drinking for at least six hours prior to surgery (with the exception of very small sips of water used to take medication). These patients will also need to arrange for a ride home following surgery. Patients who will be using oral conscious sedation may eat or drink before surgery but will also need a ride to and from the procedure.
• Physical preparation: It is important to make sure that teeth have been brushed and the mouth is clean when going into surgery. This can help reduce the risk of infection. Other than that, patients should arrive to their appointments on time, dressed in comfortable clothing.

In addition to these instructions, it is important that the patient is in good physical condition the day of surgery. If patients experience any illness leading up to surgery, they should inform Dr. Hecht, as the procedure may need to be rescheduled.

Schedule an Appointment

Patients who have experienced adult tooth loss and are interested in learning more about dental implants treatment are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Drs. Alex and Jason Hecht. They will explain the dental implants procedure and examine the teeth and jaws to determine if patients are good candidates for treatment.