You benefit the most from a major dental treatment if you prepare for it well. Thorough preparation means you know what to expect and what to do at every stage of the recovery journey. Below are some steps to help you prepare for any dental treatment you want.

Get a Preliminary Consultation

Major dental treatments typically start with a preliminary consolation. For example, you should not just show up at the dentist and request full mouth reconstructive surgery. Below are some of the areas preliminary consultation may cover.

Diagnosis

Just because you think you need a certain dental treatment doesn't mean that the dentist agrees with you. You need the dentist's professional examination and diagnosis to confirm your suspicions. The dentist may advise you on alternative treatments in some cases.

Treatment Options

After the dentist confirms a diagnosis, they will go over the treatment options. For example, treatment options for missing teeth include dental implants, dentures, and bridges. The cost, durability, and desired results can help you decide your treatment.

Payment Terms and Insurance

You should also know how much the treatment costs and whether dental insurance covers it. Note that dental insurance typically excludes cosmetic dentistry. Arrange payment terms with the dentist if you don't have relevant insurance for the treatment.

Your Questions or Concerns

Use the consultation to get clarifications on your concerns. For example, you can ask the dentist how long your recovery may take and how to prepare for the treatment.

Follow the Dentist's Instructions

Follow the dentist's instructions to the letter as you wait for your treatment day. Below are some of the things pre-treatment instructions typically cover.

Food and Drinks

The dentist may advise you to avoid certain food or drinks before your surgery. For example, some foods might interact with dental drugs on the treatment day.

Alcohol and Tobacco Use

Tobacco use, such as smoking, may affect your oral tissues and delay your healing time. Thus, the dentist may advise you to avoid smoking on the days leading up to your surgery. Your dentist may also advise you to avoid alcohol to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding and drug interactions.

Save the Date

Clear your schedule for the treatment date and time. Set up a reminder if you are forgetful, and incorporate the appointment in your calendar. Leave enough time to arrive early to accommodate last-minute preparations for your treatment, such as paperwork.

Don't cancel your appointment last minute. Many dentists require at least 24-hour cancelation notice. Understand your dentist's requirements and observe them.

Prepare Post-Treatment Help

Lastly, you should also prepare for your post-treatment circumstances. Your dentist will advise you on post-treatment recovery during your initial consultation. Follow the advice thoroughly to speed up your recovery. Below are some of the areas your recovery instructions may cover.

Transportation

Arrange alternative transportation home if you cannot drive after your treatment. Major treatments often involve pain-numbing medication that can make you dizzy. Such medications make driving dangerous.

House Chores

Depending on your treatment, the dentist may advise certain hours or days of bed rest. For example, you may need bed rest to limit bleeding and improve recovery. Arrange for someone to help you with your house chores as you recover.

Special Foods

Hard or tough foods might interfere with your treatment and recovery. Your dentist will advise you on suitable foods if that is the case. You can shop before your treatment, especially if you might not get help with the task after your treatment.

Contact New England Dental Health Services, PC, for all your dental needs. We offer various dental services, including teeth whitening, dental fillings, and endodontic treatments. You can rely on our decades of dental experience to professionally plan and execute your treatment.