How to Prepare for Your Dental Implant Surgery
Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery • March 27, 2025

MedicalNewsToday.com reports that scientists have found a connection between oral and cognitive health.


They believe that bacteria in the mouth, especially those that cause gum disease, may contribute to cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.


All those findings further underscore the importance of maintaining optimal oral hygiene. It can keep your teeth and gums healthy and help maintain long-term brain health.


Undergoing dental implant oral surgery is one of the best ways to help keep your oral health in check. Not only does it replace missing teeth, but it helps preserve your gums, jawbone, and remaining pearly whites.


To that end, our caring team at TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery in Lutz, FL, put together this dental implant procedure and oral surgery guide. Read on for tips on preparing for and recovering from the treatment. 


Confirm Eligibility for Dental Implant Oral Surgery

The first step in preparing for dental implant oral surgery is scheduling a consultation with a highly experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon. They specialize in surgical procedures of the:


  • Mouth
  • Jaws
  • Face
  • Neck


Because of their more extensive training and experience, your best option for a doctor for dental implants is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.


During your consultation with one, you will undergo a comprehensive check-up to confirm if you are a good candidate for implant surgery. You will also learn whether there are "prerequisites" to help you enjoy the benefits of dental implants and facilitate smoother oral surgery recovery.


Here is what you can expect during the consultation to determine if you can get dental implants


Density and Health of Your Jawbone

Your oral surgeon will take X-rays and CT scans during the initial consultation. They will use these diagnostic tools to assess the density and health of your jawbone.


It can help them confirm whether your jawbone will give your future, high-quality dental implants a solid, stable base.

If there is not enough healthy jawbone, do not worry! Your surgeon can perform a bone graft.


Doing so can boost the success rate of your dental implant surgery.

Bone grafts use high-quality artificial or natural bone materials. They help fill in gaps and strengthen the jawbone to support implants


Your Oral Health’s Current State

According to the U.S. CDC, the top three oral health problems that most affect people's overall health and quality of life are: 


  • Gum disease
  • Dental cavities
  • Tooth loss


The first two are the leading causes of the third. All three can contribute to even more tooth loss!

Moreover, gum disease and tooth decay can interfere with the placement and material of dental implants.


For instance, cavities can result in gum infections, and infected gums may not heal properly.

For these reasons, your surgeon must first treat existing problems as a crucial step to preparing you for oral surgery.


Discussion of the Treatment Plan

Your oral surgeon will discuss your implant eligibility and other tooth replacement options. They will explain all pertinent details, including:


  • Advantage and disadvantages
  • Treatment longevity
  • Recovery timeline
  • Dental implant cost vs. those of other options
  • Payment and financing options


Your surgeon will also explain all the prerequisites of a partial or complete mouth reconstruction plan.


For example, they will inform you if you need treatment for tooth decay or gum disease before the surgery.


Your doctor will also explain how many implants you need. They may tell you whether you need just a single implant or are better off with All-On-4 implants.


Avoid Alcohol Before and After Surgery

Alcohol is okay from time to time, but please refrain from drinking before and immediately after your dental implant oral surgery. It can impair your body's ability to heal and cause unwanted complications.


Besides, as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism points out, alcohol contributes to 200+ health conditions and diseases. So cutting back on its intake can do a lot of good for one's health.


Get Good Quality Sleep

Getting between 7 and 9 hours of restful, quality sleep is vital to good health. However, it is even more critical if you are undergoing All-On-4 dental implant surgery.


Getting enough quality sleep can help you get through the surgery. Being well-rested can also help you feel more relaxed and calm and may even aid in a faster, better recovery.


On the other hand, researchers of a study published on Thieme say that poor sleep may increase pain sensitivity.

 

Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions to a T

Your highly experienced and compassionate oral surgeon will provide a detailed plan on what you must do before, during, and after the surgery.


For instance, they may require you to fast (not eat or drink anything eight hours before the procedure) if you are getting IV sedation. Following this can help ensure the sedative works correctly and that you will feel comfortable as your surgeon works on giving you your teeth for life.


Your surgeon will also require you to have someone accompany you during the procedure. It is for your safety, as anesthesia can make you feel woozy or dizzy. 


Having a responsible driver bring you to and from the surgical facility can help you (and other road users) stay safe after your tooth replacement surgery.


You will also receive a list of recommended foods and drinks to have and avoid immediately and days after the procedure. Soft foods, nourishing soups, and Jell-O are must-haves. On the other hand, you must avoid foods that are:


  • Spicy
  • Hard
  • Crispy
  • Require too much chewing


Follow all those instructions to recover faster and enjoy your new high-quality implants from your oral and maxillofacial specialist in Lutz, FL.


Prepare for a Successful Dental Implant Oral Surgery

The success of your dental implant oral surgery depends not only on your oral and maxillofacial surgeon's skills and expertise.


You must also prepare yourself by avoiding alcohol, getting enough sleep, and following your doctor's instructions to a T.


If you are ready to enjoy a dazzling smile and full mouth functionality with high-quality implants, Dr. Andrés E.


Guerra-Andrade and the team at TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery in Lutz, FL, are happy to help! Dr. Guerra-Andrade will use the expertise, knowledge, and skills he has honed for over a decade as an oral surgeon to help you achieve your oral health goals.



Learn more about the treatments and services we provide to the Tampa Bay community by calling us today! 

Dentist in blue scrubs and gloves examines an X-ray of teeth on a light panel.
By Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery August 19, 2025
How can you make your dental implants last? Follow our dental implant maintenance guide to keep your smile strong and healthy.
A close up of a person 's teeth with a mouth guard.
By Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery July 24, 2025
Worried about what to do after your wisdom teeth removal in Tampa? Get crucial advice on your diet, post-surgery results, and restrictions for faster healing.
By Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery June 13, 2025
A recent study by Rojas et al. (2025) found that individuals who received implants as part of their treatment reported significantly improved comfort and quality of life compared to those who used dentures, highlighting the inherent benefits of implants. However, implants are no longer limited to single-tooth installations, as you can now receive an All-on-4 implant, which replaces an entire arch of teeth. With both dental implant options available, which one is best for your needs? Let us help you make that decision. Below, you will find information on single implants vs arch reconstruction, including: Types of implants offered by TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery The benefits of each option How the dentist determines suitability Step-by-step walkthrough of the procedure Healing timelines Learn what each requires, as well as its costs. Our expert guidance can help you decide which dental implant option is best for you when you come for a consultation with us. Dental Implant Options Offered by TERSA There are several different types of dental implants that TERSA offers to our clients, all of which provide different benefits, including: Treating traumatic dental injuries Offering All-on-4 full-arch implants Using guided surgery with computerized scans Individual dental implants Single-tooth implants are ideal for individuals who have only a single missing tooth, provided all adjacent natural teeth are still healthy. This means that we can focus purely on the single area and also try to recreate the bone's interaction with its previous tooth as much as possible. Through mimicking the root with the implant itself, you also preserve the jaw's density . These need minimal preparation compared to many other processes. However, if you have more than one or two teeth that need replacement in this way, it may be wise to explore alternatives . Why the Dentist Needs to Assess Suitability Dr. Guerra has gained a great deal of knowledge over his 15 years of education , as he discussed with Laker/Lutz News, which he applies to every patient, ensuring that you receive the highest-quality care possible. For example, he will start by imaging the area where the implant will be placed, as well as assessing local nerves and sinus cavities to ensure that the implant will not interfere with them. By reviewing your medical history, he can also discuss various risk factors with you that may impact bone healing, such as diabetes or a history of smoking, helping you avoid complications . The doctor also has a keen understanding of the mechanics of an implant. He will want to ensure that your implant can withstand functional forces, such as chewing, without overloading the surrounding tooth and jaw. This means he has the experience to discuss the issue with you in great detail . Preparing Yourself for Surgery After consultation, and if you choose to go under IV-sedation, be aware that your surgery will require you to not eat for around six hours before the surgery, and not drink anything for two hours before. If the dentist has any specific other requirements or recommends a different amount of time, he will inform you. The dentist may also request that you take other steps , such as: Using a mouth rinse beforehand to reduce mouth bacteria Scheduling your work so that you only have light duties for up to 72 hours after the surgery Arranging a driver to take you home or ensure you can travel for a day after surgery Ensure you have already collected any necessary medication Step-By-Step Dental Implant Procedure During the surgery, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure that the area is numb and unable to feel the effects of the surgery. However, they may also offer you sedation to ensure your comfort . After you are appropriately prepared, they will make a careful incision to expose an area of your gums and jawbone, then carefully create a space in which to insert a small titanium implant . After the implant is in place, they will suture the space closed, allowing the gum to heal and the jaw to start accepting the titanium post. Once the surgery is completed, you will need to wait up to three or four months for your jaw to adapt to the existence of the post. It will undergo a period of "osseointegration", in which your body will start building natural structures around it and your bone fuses with it, preventing the implant from moving. Healing Timeline for Working Floridians While every individual is different, you should expect the timeline to look something like this: Day 1: Apply an ice pack to your jaw after surgery, and expect mild swelling. You may also experience discomfort, so be sure to have painkillers available. Avoid solid food if possible, and be cautious if not. End of week 1: At this point, you can switch to softer foods, such as yogurts and smoothies, or you can try to chew foods carefully, so long as you keep them on the non-surgery side of your mouth. End of month 1: Attend a check-up for your implant so that the dentist can ensure your body is accepting it. End of month 3: You should return to the dentist for the installation of a custom crown around this time. They will ensure that the shape and color of the implant matches the rest of your mouth, which ensures that the implant is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. The process may take more than one appointment, as the dentist must scan your gums and jaw following the surgery to ensure they get the shape of the crown correct. The dentist may request another check-up after one year, to ensure that everything is as it should be. Key Benefits of Dental Implants Dental implants are an excellent option for individuals concerned about their jawbone starting to lose volume. The additional load placed on the area due to eating and other activities will prevent atrophy, which is usually seen with missing teeth. An implant also acts just as your previous tooth did, ensuring that you can continue to chew with complete efficiency. It is also very common for them to survive for a significant period, with many lasting beyond the 25-year mark and into the remainder of someone's life. All-on-4 at TERSA One could think of the "All-on-4" as a "Denture implant". It is designed for patients with several failing or missing teeth, who would otherwise order a set of dentures but are worried about the upkeep and appearance of removable dental arches. Unlike a single implant, the All-on-4 system uses four angled implants that securely hold a large denture in place. These implants can even be used to hold a temporary denture between implant installation and the creation of the final arch. This way, you can have the benefits from day one that you would not have with a single-tooth implant. It also significantly reduces the cost of having a full row of single implants due to the reduced number of installations. Surgery Preparation Steps The preparation for an All-on-4 denture is similar to that of a single denture, except that it is more involved due to the dentist needing to check more areas in the mouth. However, they are also likely to check things that you would usually expect when doing a consultation for traditional dentures, like: Gum contouring Tooth proportions Full-mouth bite Residual root existence They will then create a custom-printed denture frame, using it to test your mouth's shape so that they can have a full denture immediately for surgery day. Additional Steps For All-On-4 Surgery Although the majority of the surgery is similar to four individual implants as described above, there are distinct differences: The dentist may remove other teeth to make way for the denture All implants will sit at different angles for more stability Postoperative scans will verify the alignment of the implants Advantages of All-On-4 Surgery As opposed to getting all of your teeth replaced, an All-on-4 implant will require you to have only four implants on which the denture sits. Fewer incisions and a reduced time taken mean that you can get a greater benefit more easily. The complete denture will also look perfectly natural, sitting comfortably in your mouth and secured by four posts that are angled to prevent slipping and reduce stress on each one. This option is ideal for individuals with slightly lower bone density who are still eligible for surgery. If you need a future upgrade throughout your life , such as a change in the material, you can also follow through with implant changes without as much hassle. The removal of old materials and replacement with new ones takes significantly less time, providing you with more options. Choosing Single-Tooth or All-on-4 Implants Whether you want to make use of a full arch or a single new tooth, Dr. Andrés Guerra of TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery is ready to bring his expertise to bear. In a procedure that demands precision, empathy, and in-depth knowledge, he will do everything necessary to ensure your comfort and confidence in the process.  We are ready to discuss your dental implant options and schedule a consultation for you . Reclaim your smile and ensure you are happy with the person you see in the mirror today.