If you want to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, it's time to prepare for the procedure. Dental implant surgery is an invasive procedure. That means you'll need to prepare for recovery. If you're not sure what to expect from your procedure, read the list provided below. Here's what you need to know about your dental implant surgery. 

You'll Need a Dental Exam

If you're going in for dental implant surgery, you'll start with a complete dental exam. This exam will go beyond an inspection of your teeth. During this exam, your dentist will look at your jaw and mouth to identify problems that need to get resolved before surgery. But, this exam will also look at your overall health.

Looking at your health will help your dentist identify issues that could undermine your recovery. If you have allergies to medication or latex, now's the time to let your dentist know about those details. You should also let your dentist know about any problems you've had with anesthesia. 

You May Need Antibiotics

If you're scheduled for dental implant surgery, you may need to take antibiotics before the procedure. This is especially true if you have a weakened immune system. You'll also need to take antibiotics if you suffer from periodontitis. Gum disease can also interfere with the healing process. Antibiotics can help you avoid post-operative infections. If your dentist does prescribe antibiotics for you, don't miss any of the doses. 

Your Jaw May Need Work

If you've decided to get dental implants, your dentist will look at your jaw structure. Before you can have dental implant surgery, you'll need to have the right jaw structure. If you don't have enough jaw bone to hold an implant, your dentist will schedule you for bone grafts. Bone grafts will add bone to your jaw structure. If your jaw structure is too big for implants, the dentist will need to remove some of the bone to accommodate the implant posts. 

You'll Need Recovery Time

If you're planning for dental implant surgery, don't forget about the recovery process. You're going to need some time to heal after each surgery. Before surgery, be sure to stock your kitchen with plenty of soft food. You'll also need to take time off from work. That will give your jaw time to heal properly. If you need a full set of implants, you may need several surgeries to complete the process. Give yourself time to recover after each surgery.

Contact a company like Signature Dental to learn more.