The short answer

Before implant surgery, understand the agreed procedure, tell the team about medicines and health conditions, and obtain instructions for preparation and recovery. Sedation, additional procedures and your temporary restoration can change what you need to arrange.

The key points

  • Do not stop prescribed medicines without the appropriate advice.
  • Confirm escort and transport requirements when sedation is planned.
  • Resolve the aftercare plan before the appointment.
On this page
  1. Make the treatment decision clear
  2. Share relevant health information
  3. Prepare the recovery arrangements
  4. Sources & further reading

Make the treatment decision clear

Ask which teeth or sites are being treated, whether any extractions or grafts are proposed and what restoration you will receive. Consent should include reasonable alternatives. If the plan is still unclear, request an explanation before the surgical day rather than relying on a package name.

Sources: [1][2]

Share relevant health information

Provide a current medicine list, allergy history and relevant medical or dental changes. Mention smoking and any previous difficulties with anaesthesia. The team can decide whether further professional advice is needed. General internet advice is not a reason to alter prescribed medicines or start antibiotics yourself.

Mention diabetes, previous radiotherapy involving the jaws and medicines such as bisphosphonates. Give the team the actual medicine names and information about how existing conditions are managed. These details may affect planning and the need for coordination with another clinician; they do not justify stopping treatment yourself.

  • Confirm the instructions about food and drink for your anaesthesia.
  • Arrange any required escort and time away from work.
  • Ask how to manage an existing denture or temporary tooth.

Sources: [3][4][5][6]

Prepare the recovery arrangements

Obtain written guidance about eating, oral hygiene, activity and contact details. Plan suitable meals and practical support according to those instructions. Make sure you know when the first review is expected and whom to contact if symptoms change outside normal opening hours.

Sources: [7]

IMPLANTVERIA · FAQ

Common questions

Should I stop blood-thinning medicines before surgery?

Do not change them yourself. The dental team and relevant prescriber must assess the situation and provide instructions appropriate to your medicines and procedure.

Do I need to fast?

That depends on the anaesthetic or sedation arrangement and the service’s instructions. Ask the treating team rather than applying a rule meant for a different procedure.

Sources & quality

Sources & further reading

These references inform this article. Individual recommendations require a conversation with a dental professional.

  1. Having a dental implantGuy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust · EN
  2. Number of Implants Placed for Complete-Arch Fixed ProsthesesInternational Team for Implantology · EN
  3. Dental implants: overviewGuy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust · EN
  4. Dental Implants: What You Should KnowU.S. Food and Drug Administration · EN
  5. Antibiotics: overviewNHS · EN
  6. Dental implants: treatment and recoveryLeeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust · EN
  7. After having a dental implantGuy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust · EN