Dental Implant Anxiety – Common Concerns Explained
Dental Implants are a common tooth replacement option in the event of tooth loss. This procedure can seem intimidating – especially for those who aren’t comfortable at the dentist – but we can assure you that we take steps to keep it as pain-free and non-invasive as possible. While dental implant surgery isn’t a one-off, one-visit procedure, it doesn’t have to be a source of great discomfort or pain.
At Galon Dental Prosthetics, we’re here to ensure our clients feel confident and comfortable throughout the entire dental implant procedure. From consultation to continued care, it’s our aim to ensure we have the clearest communication and most transparent information, so that you can feel good going into your procedure.
But it’s about more than understanding the procedure – it’s about the care you’ll receive throughout it. We have a patient-focused approach that’s based on honest, two-way communication, as well as the latest dental implant surgery techniques that minimise procedure time and maximise results. Working with Galon Dental, you can be sure that you’re receiving the gold standard in implant dentistry, with a tailored, patient-first focus.
The Summary
No time to read it all? No worries. Here are the top things you’ll want to know about dental implants and pain levels.
- Before: Some people might need procedures beforehand to stabilise the area where the implant will be inserted, and these procedures are generally considered to be minimally invasive and low-pain.
- During: You won’t experience much pain during the procedure itself. You’ll have plenty of options for numbing and even sedation. You’ll experience discomfort if you choose to be awake, rather than pain.
- Post-procedure: Discomfort and pain should be manageable with your common over-the-counter painkillers, like paracetamol and ibuprofen. Plus, it’ll start to subside after 24 to 72 hours.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a long-lasting solution that allows you to replace a missing tooth (or teeth). It consists of an artificial root, which can then act as the foundation for a replacement tooth. The dental implant procedure occurs in stages to ensure that it is permanent and effective. It’s not a procedure that occurs in a single appointment, but it is considered the gold standard for tooth replacement and provides a permanent solution. Our implant specialist, Dr [Insert Name], describes it as a more natural-feeling choice, despite the slightly longer healing process: “Dental implants are designed to feel just like your natural teeth.” It differs from a crown as it completely replaces the tooth root rather than simply covering an existing, damaged tooth. Unlike a crown or a bridge, a dental implant is connected to the jawbone and not to other teeth. While it might be a longer process, it offers a very natural-looking result that can last a lifetime.
Understanding the Dental Implant Procedure: Step-by-Step (200 words)
We guide you through the process – and we tailor it to you and your specific needs! We offer solutions that consider what your goal is and cater to what you’re ultimately looking for. However, to help you understand what might happen while you’re preparing for your procedure, here’s our guide.
- Initial consult: We’ll start creating your custom treatment plan here. We learn what’s important to you, what outcomes you’re looking for, and how you’d like to go about the procedure. We’ll answer your questions and give you as much clarity on the process as possible.
- Preparatory procedures: Not everyone is able to go straight into the implantation stage. Some patients have both missing teeth and missing jawbone tissue, meaning they will require a bone graft to create a stable root for the tooth. While this might sound a little intimidating, it is a minor surgery, after which most people report little to no pain. After bone grafting, you will typically wait 3 to 6 months before your dental implant surgery to ensure you’re fully healed.
- Surgical placement of the implant: This procedure usually takes 1-2 hours per tooth, and you will have a full suite of anaesthetic options to help you feel comfortable throughout. After the implant is placed, depending on individual circumstances and preferences, a temporary crown or artificial tooth may be placed over the implant.
- Post-implant healing period (osseointegration): During this period, the implant needs to integrate fully into your jawbone. Bone cells will grow around the implant, allowing it to form a stable, permanent root for your new prosthetic tooth. While healing periods vary from person to person, most people will wait 3 to 6 months before they have the final, permanent prosthetic tooth placed.
- Opportunity for expert quote: “Every patient’s experience is unique, and we tailor each step to their needs.” — Galon Dental Prosthetics Clinician
How Painful Is the Procedure Itself?
You’ll have options when it comes to anaesthesia and pain relief – we’ll ensure you understand them and make an informed decision.
Most patients will have three levels of anaesthesia available to them: local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia.
Local anaesthesia is the numbing of the implant site – this will allow you to be fully conscious during the procedure. Sedation and general anaesthesia mean that you will be in an altered state of consciousness or completely unconscious. Some patients choose these to help manage their distress levels, but most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure, even when a local anaesthetic alone is used. Many patients compare the experience of dental implant surgery to other common dental procedures like fillings: while it is a surgical procedure, it is generally well-tolerated and low risk, with a manageable and linear healing process.
Pain and Discomfort After the Procedure: What to Expect
In the wake of dental implant surgery, you’re likely to experience mild swelling, soreness, and potential bruising. The symptoms are all generally mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Our lead prothetist, [INSERT NAME], describes the brevity of this discomfort period, as told by our clients: “Most patients are surprised at how quickly the discomfort resolves after implant surgery.” You should see an improvement after 24-72 hours – give us a call if you’re not experiencing relief after this time, and we’ll help you get a resolution as quickly as possible.
Factors That Affect Pain Levels
There are a number of indicators that speak to how a person might feel during and after their dental implant placement. It can be things as simple as your own tolerance for pain, or any existing oral health issues that could be aggravated during the implant process. We’ll talk you through how you might experience this if we think it will be relevant to you.
However, it mostly comes down to the impact of personalised care and communication, as well as the skill and experience of the dental team. Our dental team keep you informed throughout the entire process, using their decades of experience to keep you safe and comfortable throughout. We’ll help you manage any pain that might arise as a result of the procedure, and help set your expectations for what’s to come at every stage.
How Galon Dental Prosthetics Minimises Pain and Maximises Comfort
Our patient-centred approach ensures that your wellbeing is a part of every stage of the treatment journey. We lead with empathy and truly listen to your treatment goals and personal preferences. We create a custom treatment plan that puts you first and keeps you calm and comfortable throughout the entire process. We use advanced techniques based on the latest, strongest research to ensure that we’re reducing the invasiveness of the procedure and promoting a speedy recovery.
We also prioritise support before, during, and after the procedure, with clear communication and feedback at every step: we answer your questions and help you understand anything that’s unclear.
Tips for a Smooth, Comfortable Recovery (100 words)
Your clinician will give you all the information you need to have a comfortable and safe recovery from your procedure. You should always follow their instructions to the best of your ability. Here’s a snapshot of the information they’ll provide to you:
- Pain relief: You can use cold compresses for pain relief around the jaw/ implant area and use the regimen of pain medication recommended by your clinician. Generally, this will be over-the-counter medications rather than prescription medications.
- Diet: Avoiding foods that are difficult to chew will be very beneficial during your recovery – soft foods are best.
- Maintain oral hygiene: You’ll receive specific instructions from your dentist immediately after your oral surgery – these will explain how to care for your mouth without disrupting the site of your dental implant. It’s important to follow these instructions with care, as poor oral hygiene can lead to implant failure.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity after surgery: Take it easy in the days following your implant procedure. As with every healing process, rest is required!
- Seek support if you have concerns: We’re here for your questions and concerns, whenever they arise! Don’t hesitate to reach out, even if your concern or query is minor. Your wellbeing is our top priority, and part of that is feeling reassured and calm throughout the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dental Implant Pain
Due to effective numbing, you should experience only minor discomfort (not pain) during the procedure. Pain typically starts to subside 24 to 72 hours post-procedure.
You will have multiple options for pain relief during (and following) your dental implant surgery, including local anaesthetic (numbing of the area), as well as sedation and general anaesthetic. Your clinician will talk you through these and help find the right option for you.
A low pain tolerance doesn’t mean you should opt out of this procedure! Your dentist will offer you plenty of options to ensure that your particular level of comfort is catered to.
Your Comfort, Our Commitment
While dental implants can sound invasive and a little intimidating, we can assure you that it’s a safe, relatively low-pain procedure, with great, long-lasting results. Pain, even in sensitive individuals, is generally minimal and very well tolerated. At Galon Dental, our commitment to patient comfort is second to none – we want to ensure you feel empowered and supported throughout any dental procedure that you have with us. We’re always here to answer your questions. Reach out to talk or to book a consultation for personalised advice: we’d love to help you achieve your dream smile!