If you want to get a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, you may be concerned about the process of placing any necessary bone grafts and implants. But implant surgery should not be painful, and there are several ways you and your dentist can work together to make it a comfortable experience for you.
Discuss Your Concerns With Your Dentist
While discussing your treatment options with your dentist, you should ask about pain management. Most implants are placed with only local anesthetic. Your dentist can share which areas of your mouth they plan to numb, and this may set your mind at ease. When you go into an appointment confident and relaxed, you are less likely to tense up, which will make you more comfortable throughout the procedure.
Consider Sedation Dentistry
If, after talking with your dentist, you are still nervous, you might consider sedation dentistry, which involves giving you medication to help you relax during the procedure. Your dentist may offer nitrous oxide or prescribe a pill for you to take before your appointment. You may feel drowsy and relaxed, and the appointment will likely seem to pass quickly.
If you are currently on medication for anxiety, you should discuss with your dentist whether to take your anxiety medication before your appointment. Keep in mind some medications can interfere with local anesthetics, so it is important your dentist knows which medications you are taking and when you plan to take them.
Consider General Anesthesia
Some dental surgeons may suggest general anesthesia if you are having multiple implants placed and are particularly nervous about the procedure. They may also suggest general anesthesia if you need a particularly large bone graft or if you are using donor bone from your own body. However, these tend to be rare situations and general anesthesia is not usually required for dental bone grafts or implants.
Communicate With Your Dentist Throughout Your Appointment
If you are awake during your appointment and you feel discomfort, anxiety, or pain, you should let your dentist know. Don't be shy about raising your hand and explaining your discomfort. Implant procedures often take a considerable amount of time and it is common for local anesthetics to begin to wear off. Your dentist can give you another dose of anesthetic if you experience pain. By communicating with your dentist throughout your appointment, you can avoid unnecessary discomfort.
If you are preparing for dental implants, talk to your dentist about pain management.
Share14 September 2020
Do you have "bad teeth"? I do. Ever since I was a kid, every checkup turns up a number of issues ranging from cavities to dental fractures. It has always been frustrating to keep my smile in decent shape, which is one of the reasons I started focusing on understanding different dental problems. I wanted to know what I was getting into when I visited the doctor, so I began focusing on learning as much as I could. I wanted to create this blog all about dentistry so that other people could find out what to expect when they head to the dentist. Check it out!
