Your All-on-4 Dental Implant Pre-Surgery Checklist

We’re as excited as you are that you’re getting All-on-4 dental implants to replace a missing arch of teeth. To help you get ready for this step, the team at Bay Area Dental & Implant Center has put together this checklist. You’ll feel ready to get your implants placed and be one step closer to a smile that looks and feels like new.

1. Consult with Our San Jose Implant Dentist

Every successful treatment plan begins with a solid relationship between you and our team. We can help you prepare for your specific procedure and recovery. During your appointment at Bay Area Dental & Implant Center, we’ll:

• Assess your oral health with X-rays and 3D imaging
• Discuss your dental and medical history
• Provide a personalized pre-surgery plan
• Answer any questions and address any concerns

This is a time for us to create a game plan for your All-on-4 dental implant experience. That means we want you to speak up and let us know what you’re curious about. There are no dumb questions when it comes to your health.

2. Arrange Transportation for Surgery Day

Because dental sedation is involved in some All-on-4 dental implant procedures, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the appointment. Plan ahead by asking a trusted friend or family member for help. This makes sure you stay safe after your procedure. Plus, you can get right into relaxing and focusing on your recovery.

Bonus Tip

If you’re especially nervous about your procedure, bringing a loved one can also be calming. We can make sure you have the support system you need to make you comfortable.

3. Stock Your Kitchen with Recovery-Friendly Foods

Visit the store for soft, nutrient-rich foods that are easy to eat after surgery. For the first few days, you’ll want to avoid anything hard, crunchy, sticky, or spicy that could irritate your gums at the site. Some great options include:

• Smoothies: Fruits with vitamin C can help with healing.
• Applesauce: Apples are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants.
• Mashed Potatoes: Spruce these up with herbs, garlic, cheese, or toppings.
• Soups: Make sure they are cooled to a warm, not hot, temperature.
• Protein Shakes: Don’t skimp on protein, which also aids healing.

Doing this prep in advance will save you time and energy; you might not want to bother with meal planning after your procedure. Plus, you can be more mindful of dietary choices that support healing.

4. Follow Pre-Surgery Guidelines

Our San Jose dentist will provide specific instructions for you to follow in the days leading up to your procedure. These typically include:

• Avoiding food and drink for a certain amount of time before surgery for some sedation.
• Stopping smoking or chewing tobacco, as they can delay healing.
• Making any adjustments to medications (ex., suspending blood thinners, if recommended by your physician)

These are tailored to you to match your health and procedure. Following these guidelines helps us set up your All-on-4 dental implant procedure a success.

5. Cultivate a Cozy Recovery Space

Set up a peaceful area in your home where you can rest after surgery. We recommend soothing comforts like:

• Extra pillows to help keep your head elevated
• Your favorite blanket to stay comfortable
• A side table with water and medications
• Entertainment like books or a series you’ve been wanting to binge

A calm, well-organized space can make recovery much easier. It’ll be all ready for you when your loved one drives you home!

6. Plan for Downtime

You’ll hear about osseointegration, which is the process where your implants will integrate with your jawbone. This can take several months. However, you won’t be out of commission for that long! In fact, most All-on-4 dental implant patients return to their usual routines relatively quickly,

That said, you’ll still need to prioritize rest for at least 48-72 hours after your surgery. While the implant placement procedure has been fine-tuned, it’s still a surgery, so clear your schedule of strenuous activities and arrange for help with household tasks if needed.

7. Understand Post-Surgery Care

Our dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions, so take some time to go over them. We might tell you to:

• Keep the surgical area clean with rinses or other techniques.
• Avoid touching or poking the implant sites; let them do their thing.
• Eat only soft foods for the first week or two.

If the instructions don’t cover something, feel free to reach out! At Bay Area Dental & Implant Center, we want to make sure you feel prepared for the journey ahead, so we’re happy to answer your All-on-4 recovery questions.

8. Take Care of Your Overall Health

Your body is an entire ecosystem, and healthy bodies heal faster. Maximize your recovery potential by focusing on your overall wellness:

• Stay hydrated
• Eat balanced meals in the days leading up to the procedure
• Manage stress with calming activities like meditation or light exercise

Access Implant Support for Every Step in the Process

Ready to book your All-on-4 dental implants? Your San Jose dentist at Bay Area Dental & Implant Center can help create a personalized pre-surgery checklist just for you, so you’ll be prepared for this next step and what comes after. Get started today!