Are you scheduled for a dental procedure? It’s safe to say that no one looks forward to dental implant surgeries or root canal treatments. Whilst dental surgeries are a normal part of life; they can be pretty nerve-wracking, particularly if you’re unprepared and don’t know what to expect. Now, we’ve already covered what to expect during every stage of your All-on-4® treatment, so today, we’ll dive right into surgery preparation!
Luckily, there are many things you can do to prepare for dental surgery, all of which will leave you feeling more resilient and hopefully less anxious about your upcoming treatment. The following guide outlines general and specific preparation tips you can apply in the days leading up to the procedure. It’ll give you the guidance needed to get organised for your surgery and will significantly improve the chances of long-term implant success.
Your dental surgeon and the local Next Smile™ All-on-4® Centre team will discuss the points below with you in person. They’ll address what’s involved before, during, and after the procedure and what responsibilities you have - amongst other things. However, we do understand that you’re receiving a lot of information in preparation for your All-on-4® surgical procedure. This can be quite overwhelming, and at times, it may be hard to remember. Please refer to the guide below anytime you need a little refresher!
If you have any unanswered questions, don’t hesitate to contact your local Next Smile™ All-on-4® Centre and ask our friendly staff for advice! We’re always here for you and more than happy to help you with anything you may need to ensure the best possible outcome for you.
How To Prepare For A Successful All-on-4® Dental Surgery
- Provide Your Dental Surgeon With the Correct Information
When consulting with your Next Smile™ All-on-4® Centre dental surgeon, make sure to be honest with them about your medical history. This may include your current habits, diet, routine dental care and other health questions. You should be aware of your previous conditions and the risks these may pose to you as an individual, particularly during complex surgeries.
For example, some anaesthetics may be better for you than others. You and your dental surgeon can only make the right choices for you when all the information is out in the open. Remember, our team is here to help you on your journey and assist you in any way they can, without judgement. Be honest about your health and habits, so we can do our job as best as we can.
Note: If you are not sure what factors may be affecting your health or what medications you are taking, please consult with your GP before coming to see us.
- Educate Yourself On The All-on-4® Surgical Procedure
You’ll feel a lot more relaxed about your dental procedure when you know what to expect. So take the opportunity and consult with your dental surgeon and learn what you can about the All-on-4® surgical procedure. Our clinics will have information sheets and guides ready for you to take home and read up on before the procedure takes place. You may also find our All-on-4® and dental implant blog and the Next Smile™ website a helpful resource.
Make a note of any questions you may have in regards to your dental surgery, and ask them during your consultation with our surgeon or give us a call at 1300 625 628 and we’ll happily assist you with any questions.
Not sure what to ask your Next Smile™ All-on-4® Centre dental surgeon in preparation of your dental surgery? Here are some things you may want to inquire about:
- How long will my dental procedure take?
- How long will the recovery be? When can I expect to return to work?
- Will I need to organise someone to drive me home?
- What type of anaesthetic will I be getting? What are my options?
- What are the potential risks and complications?
- What level of pain can I expect during and immediately after surgery?
- What are the involved costs? What is covered under the cost, what isn’t?
- Will I need follow up appointments? If so, how may and is the cost covered?
- Follow All Pre-Care Instructions You Are Given
This is the most critical point of all. You must do your due diligence and read up on the preop information our team has given you. Each Next Smile™ All-on-4® Centre dental surgeon adheres to the standardised Malo Protocol, which is unique in its approach to fitting dental implants. So don’t just assume you are aware of what is required just because you’ve had dental surgery before.
In the unlikely case that you are not given a pre-op information sheet, ask the local clinic team for one and carefully read the document before your operation date. Do not leave this to the last minute! You may unexpectedly find that a considerable amount of the preparation is needed, hours, if not days before the procedure is undertaken.
- Read Over Your Insurance And Private Health Policy
If you are relying on private insurance to cover the cost of your All-on-4® surgical procedure,
contact your private health insurance provider well in advance to make sure they will cover you - and how much coverage you can expect. This will give you peace of mind leading up to your surgery.
Note: Check with your private health fund if you have rebates available for the dental treatment. Please visit our pricing page for more information on financing options!
- Get Ready For Your Recovery (Before Your Surgery)
You might think it’s strange to worry about recovery when your dental surgery is still ahead of you. The truth is, preparing for your recovery is just as crucial to the success of your treatment as preparing for the big day itself. Depending on the type of anaesthesia used, you might find yourself a little tired right after surgery.
Consequently, this is not the time to ring up friends in search of a ride home, shop for groceries or painkillers and browse the web looking for “Oral Hygiene Tips For All-on-4® Patients”. You'll want to arrange a pickup and get your things in order before you walk through the doors of your local Next Smile™ clinic. That includes stocking up on medication you may need and buying food that is ‘safe’ to eat after your procedure. A soft diet is recommended after implant surgery. Our Next Smile™ All-on-4® Centre team can advise you on these types of food.
- Know the Eating, Drinking, and Smoking Rules
Depending on the type of anaesthetics used, you may not be able to eat or drink up to twelve hours before the surgery. If you’re not sure about the rules that apply to you, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re here to help - even on the day before your surgery is scheduled. It is just as important to avoid smoking for at least twelve hours before and a day after your surgery. If you can, avoid smoking altogether, as it slows down the healing process and poses a risk to the long-term success of your procedure.
- Dress Comfortably For Surgery
Being physically comfortable will help you relax as you take a seat in our chair. Sometimes you will be provided with a surgical gown, other times, you won't. So layout comfortable clothes, perhaps a shirt with loose or short sleeves so that our team can take your vitals at any time, and do not bother with make-up or jewellery.
- Arrive Early on the Day of Your Surgery
Not only does the early bird catch the worm, but he’s usually also a lot more relaxed. The same holds true for you on your big day. So leave plenty of time to make your way to your local Next Smile™ All-on-4® Centre. Arriving early can give you the time you need to navigate your way around. Consider well in advance how you will get to the clinic and back home.
If a family member or friend accompanies you, know where you will park the car. Make sure you’re familiar with the clinic location and know where the entrance is located. Don’t forget that you may have a few forms to complete -if you haven’t done so at your previous consultation. Be mindful that with current COVID 19 requirements, things might take a little longer than usual.
As with preparing for your dental implant surgery, make sure to carefully read our aftercare instructions and ask our friendly team should you have any questions at all. Call us today at 1300 625 628 or contact us online to make your appointment at a Next Smile™ All-on-4® Centre near you!