Preparing for dental implant surgery — a practical checklist.

Two to four weeks before surgery

Complete a medical history review with your provider

Tell your provider about every medication you take — including over-the-counter, supplements, and anything you only take occasionally. Specifically flag:

• Blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, the newer DOACs like apixaban or rivaroxaban). These typically need to be paused or adjusted before surgery; never stop on your own — coordinate with the prescribing physician.
• Bone-loss medications, including bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid) and denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva), now or in the past — even years ago. These affect implant healing.
• Diabetes medications and current A1c.
• Immunosuppressants or chemotherapy.
• Any history of head/neck radiation therapy.
• Steroid use, current or recent.

If you smoke — at least pause

Smoking meaningfully raises every implant complication risk. Many surgeons require quitting (or pausing) for several weeks before and after surgery. If you can't quit, talk candidly with your surgeon. Lying about smoking compromises the outcome you're paying for.

Get diabetes under control if it isn't

If your blood sugar is poorly controlled, integration is harder. Work with your physician to get your A1c into your target range before surgery if you can. Your surgeon may want to see recent labs.

Treat any active gum disease

Active periodontal disease at the time of placement is one of the strongest predictors of peri-implantitis later. A good provider will treat existing gum disease before scheduling implant surgery.

One week before surgery

Confirm transportation

If you're having IV sedation, you cannot drive yourself home. Arrange a ride and have your driver plan to be available — sedation effects last several hours.

Stock the kitchen for soft food

Get groceries for 3–7 days of soft, easy-to-eat food before surgery, so you don't have to think about it after. Useful items:

• Plain Greek yogurt and smoothie ingredients (note: no straws after surgery)
• Apple sauce, pudding, soft fruit (banana, ripe pear)
• Eggs, cottage cheese
• Soft pasta, mashed potatoes, instant oatmeal
• Hummus, soft cheese, tofu
• Soup (cool to lukewarm — don't burn the surgical site)
• Protein shakes

Pick up over-the-counter medication and supplies

Have ready, before surgery:

• Ibuprofen and acetaminophen (your provider may instruct you on which to use, when, and at what dose)
• Salt for saltwater rinses (~1/2 teaspoon per cup of warm water)
• Cold packs / ice packs (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a thin towel)
• Extra pillow for sleeping with your head elevated
• Soft-bristled toothbrush for the rest of your mouth (the surgical area gets left alone for the first week)
• Any prescriptions your provider gave you, filled and ready

Plan time off

Most people return to work 1–2 days after a single-tooth implant placement. Plan the surgery for a Thursday or Friday if you have a typical work schedule, so you have the weekend to recover. For more extensive cases, plan more recovery time. Build in a buffer day in case your reaction is on the more intense end.

Confirm what's going to happen on the day

Re-confirm with the office:

• Arrival time and how long the appointment is expected to take
• Whether you'll have local anesthesia, IV sedation, or both
• Whether you should fast, and from what time
• What clothing to wear (loose, easy to clean)
• Who to call if you have questions before, during, or after

The day before surgery

• Get a full night's sleep
• If sedation is planned, follow fasting instructions carefully (usually nothing to eat or drink for several hours before)
• Don't drink alcohol the night before
• Brush and floss thoroughly — the cleaner your mouth going in, the lower the surgical infection risk
• Lay out comfortable clothes and a quiet space at home for the next day
• Re-confirm transportation

The morning of surgery

• Follow your provider's specific instructions about eating and medications
• Brush your teeth (avoiding the surgical area if it's already prepped)
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing — short sleeves if you might have an IV
• Skip makeup, jewelry, and contact lenses if sedation is planned
• Bring a list of all your medications
• Bring your photo ID and insurance information
• Arrive with time to spare

Questions to settle before the day

• What exactly will you be doing — placement only, or extraction + placement, or grafting + placement?
• What does my temporary tooth situation look like during integration?
• What's the follow-up schedule?
• What's your phone number and the after-hours emergency contact?
• What signs should I call about, and what's normal?
• What's the cost of this visit, and how much is paid today?

What you don't need to do

You don't need to fast for many hours unless your provider specifically instructed it (typical for sedation). You don't need to take antibiotics prophylactically unless your provider prescribed them. You don't need any specialized "implant prep" supplements or dental products marketed for implant surgery. The basic preparation above is what matters.