Many patients who need to rebuild their smiles after tooth loss choose dental implants because of their unique advantages. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, these restorations are inserted into your jaw and eventually fuse with the bone. As a result, they’re typically more resilient and last longer than the alternatives.
However, many people hesitate to proceed with this treatment because they feel anxious about undergoing oral surgery. If you’re feeling nervous about scheduling this procedure, continue reading to learn 3 reasons not to feel afraid!
Reason #1: Different Medications for Comfort
If you’re worried that the dental implant procedure will undoubtedly be an agonizing experience, you can thankfully set your concerns aside. Your provider will do everything they can to help keep you calm and comfortable the entire time.
For example, they will numb the area with a local anesthetic before starting your treatment to prevent the nerves in your teeth or gums from sending pain signals to your brain. Many providers also offer other means to help you feel relaxed, such as IV sedation. This is administered directly to your bloodstream and induces a deep sense of calm, though it doesn’t necessarily ‘knock you out’. Most patients remain aware enough to respond to their providers’ questions or instructions, but don’t remember the details (or sensations!) of their surgery afterward.
Reason #2: Highly Successful Procedure
Like any surgery, getting dental implants does come with some potential risks. For example, if bacteria in your mouth penetrate the site, they could infect the surrounding connective or bone tissues, which can cause your restoration to fail.
Fortunately, you’re unlikely to experience such complications if the procedure is performed by a qualified provider. This treatment has an incredibly high success rate of over 90%, meaning you probably won’t experience any adverse effects as long as you carefully follow the offered post-op instructions and keep your mouth clean.
Reason #3: Minimal Aches During Recovery
You’ll likely be medicated for your implant surgery, so you won’t need to be concerned about potential pain until after the drugs leave your system. Then, it’s normal to develop some mild to moderate swelling and tenderness that can last for several days. However, over-the-counter medications, like Tylenol or ibuprofen, are often sufficient to reduce these symptoms.
Furthermore, today’s modern technology and techniques lead to more accurate results and involve less tissue disruption. But if you experience severe or persistent discomfort, you should let your dentist know right away so they can ensure you’re healing as intended.
If you’re still on the fence about getting dental implants, your dentist can provide more information so you feel comfortable moving forward!
About the Practice
At Vista Dental Care, people of all ages benefit from the two highly accomplished dentists eager to help them build their healthiest and most beautiful smiles. Dr. Vong and Dr. Avendano collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including placing and restoring dental implants, under one roof. They have specialized training and state-of-the-art technology to perform the procedure and are qualified to administer IV sedation, ensuring you remain calm and comfortable throughout. You can request a consultation on the website or by calling (775) 626-3535.