Dental implants are a great solution for individuals with a loose or missing tooth. They help preserve the alignment of the neighboring teeth, maintain facial contours, and restore your smile.
Despite the many benefits of dental implants, not everyone looks forward to the surgical procedure. The task of putting an artificial tooth root to the jawbone sounds intimidating, uncomfortable, and painful.
The good news is you don’t have to feel anxious about this procedure. The following reasons should convince you that undergoing dental implant surgery is not a scary or painful experience.
Your Dentist Will Take Care of You
You can rest easy knowing that you’re under the care of a trained and experienced dental professional. Before you sit down on the dentist’s chair for the procedure, your dentist will take the time to plan all the necessary details. If you need to undergo complex implant surgery, for instance, your dentist will get CT imaging or X-ray imaging to determine the exact placement of the implant and come up with a guide to follow during the procedure.
You’ll Experience Less Pain, Thanks to Anesthesia
Worried about the discomfort or pain you’ll feel during and after oral implant surgery? Don’t fret. Your dentist will give you local anesthesia to minimize the pain from the process. While you’ll stay conscious during the entire procedure, you’ll feel less pain (or none at all) on the area of the implant, as well as the neighboring tissues.
If you’re still feeling anxious about the whole surgery, do not hesitate to inform your dentist. He/she can administer an anti-anxiety treatment or a sedative to help you relax.
Post-Operation Discomfort is Minimal
Experiencing little to no discomfort after surgery is possible, thanks to a pre-planned surgical guide and the advancements on dental implantation. The procedure also causes minimal disruption in the tissues. Your dentist will make sure to stitch any incised tissues properly to alleviate oral discomfort.
If you’re still feeling discomfort or pain, let your dentist know immediately. You’ll receive a prescription for over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as Ibuprofen.
The Surgical Procedure is Worth It
If the price of a dental implant scares you, know that this treatment is a cost-effective option for oral restoration. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), oral implants can last a lifetime, so long as you care for it properly. You also don’t have to worry about the likelihood of your dental implant failing. AAOMS says that the overall success rate of the implant surgery is around 95 percent.
Dental implants are a logical and safe choice for teeth replacement. Don’t let fear stop you from undergoing the procedure. When you miss getting that implant you need, it could diminish your quality of life. Having missing teeth may affect your speech and chewing movement, give you unwanted sunken cheeks, and make you feel conscious about your smile. Avoid risking further damage to your mouth and self-confidence, and see if you can get a dental implant.
