These guidelines are for patients who will undergo surgery with local anaesthesia only. Patients undergoing surgery with general anaesthesia will receive other information at the clinic and must follow the guidelines given by the anaesthesiologist.

General conditions

No matter what changes are necessary after surgery, the nutrition must be well balanced and nourishing. It is therefore advisable that one supplements the daily diet with vitamins rich on minerals, both before surgery and in the period of healing while the implantation grows into the jaw (4-6 months),

Smoking has a small, but noticeably negative influence on the bones' ability to ‘receive’ an implantation. The reason for this has not been clarified. Thus, smoking should be avoided or at least the consumption of tobacco should be reduced to the least possible, starting 3 weeks before surgery and continued for at least 6 months after the implant surgery.
Physically strenuous activities must be avoided for at least one week after the procedure.
Fever, influenza or a common cold in the days just before surgery can weaken the immune system, so in case of illness, you should contact the clinic well in advance with regards to a possible postponement of the procedure.

The day of the procedure

Be well rested before the procedure. Being stressed and tired should be avoided.
Eat a good and nourishing meal and drink a large amount of fluid 1-2 hours before the surgery takes place.
Be there in good time. Patients who have stated that they wish to have a sedative before the procedure must show up no later than half an hour before the surgery.

The dental surgeon will usually prescribe some drugs before surgery, for them to be effective in the bloodstream during surgery. The following types of drugs are commonly prescribed:
1) Antibiotics (to prevent/fight infection) (e.g. penicillin)
2) Anti-inflammatory drugs (to reduce the amount of swelling and tenderness) (e.g. Ibuprofen). Some of these drugs also have an alleviating effect.

Pre-medication will be prescribed when the time of surgery is arranged. Pre-medication must be taken as advised on the prescription, approx. 1 1/2 hour before surgery takes place.
Sedatives are only given when you arrive at the clinic.
When arrangements for treatment are made, all patients will be offered a sedative before surgery. Many patients will benefit from a light sedative before the procedure. If sedatives are administered, one should make arrangements with next of kin regarding being picked up at the clinic after surgery. You should not venture into traffic alone, if sedatives have been administered to you.

The procedure

The procedure resembles an ordinary dental procedure, but the hygienic circumstances are more extensive.

1) You will be given local anaesthetics, with which the jawbone receiving the implant will be completely numb.
2) You will be instructed to rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash to cleanse the oral cavity prior to surgery.
3) The lips and the area around the mouth are washed by the surgeon’s assistant with disinfectants, so that the dental surgeon can work without transmitting harmful bacteria from the oral surroundings to the area of surgery inside the mouth.
4) As a replacement for the normal napkin or apron, you will be covered with a sterile cloth instead. This will also diminish the risk of introducing bacteria from the outside into the area of surgery. It is important that you keep your hands and arms as shown under the sterile cover during the treatment. Under no circumstances may you bring your hands up to your mouth or nose during surgery. Instead, ask the surgeon's assistant to help. We are there for you.
5) The dental surgeon and the surgeon's assistant will now put on sterile theatre wear, as well as a hood and mask.
6) Finally the dental surgeon will ensure that the anaesthesia has reached full effect before surgery commences.

The entire treatment is done under maximum hygienic precautions to reduce the risk of infection.
All instruments are sterilised before use, unless sterile disposable instruments are used. Only clinically tested, approved and CE-marked products are used for the treatment. Bio-materials, implants and implantation components are delivered in sterile wrappings and are only opened just prior to their use in the operating theatre.

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