Why You Don’t Need to Be Nervous About Dental Implants
Any upcoming dental procedure, especially if it’s more involved, can result in feelings of anxiety. This is completely normal and our Ann Arbor, MI, dentists want you to know you’re not alone! One such treatment that often causes patients to worry is the placement of dental implants. Much to their delight, however, the process is easy to follow and much more comfortable than it seems.
Here’s what you can actually expect if you’re in line for a dental implant and how our dentists can calm your nerves.
Guiding Patients Through Their Anxiety
Fear can get in the way of a lot in life. It can keep you from seeing new things, places, and expanding your horizons. You could also miss out on your dream smile if you’re fearful enough of pain and oral surgery.
Fortunately, our dentists aren’t strangers to overly nervous or anxious patients. To make sure you feel confident about moving forward with dental implants, we’ll run every detail about the procedure by you first and answer any questions you may have. We can also discuss sedation options, like laughing gas, that will help you relax in the exam chair.
Inside our Ann Arbor dental office, we will never pressure you to pursue anything you don’t want to do. Our dentists and staff are here to serve you and help you choose the right restoration needed for your smile.
Related Post → Beyond Implants: Other Ways to Restore Missing Teeth
Understanding the Dynamics of the Procedure
It may be surprising to learn that getting a dental implant is not nearly as bad as many people think. In fact, the level of discomfort following surgery can be compared to a simple tooth extraction or a dental filling. Most of the time, over-the-counter pain relievers will help alleviate any soreness.
You should also feel no pain whatsoever during the actual surgery. Our dentists will have administered a local anesthetic to the area so other than some pressure, you should be quite comfortable. If you notice any severe discomfort while the implant is being placed, please don’t hesitate to speak up and we’ll make sure the area is properly numb before continuing.
Your Smile & Dental Implants
To be a candidate for dental implants, you need to meet a few qualifications. One of which is you have a tooth (or multiple) missing. You should also be willing to commit to the healing process following placement or a dental bone graft which can take several months each to complete.
Patients keen on dental implants will also need to:
- Have a fully grown jawbone
- Be free of certain health conditions that may impact bone healing
- Quit smoking or already be tobacco-free from the start
- Have enough bone in their jaw to secure the implant
- Qualify for bone grafting if there isn’t enough bone originally
Our dentists may recommend other options with regards to replacing teeth if you fall into the following categories:
- Children with growing jaws
- Patients with chronic diseases (i.e., diabetes, leukemia, etc.)
- Regular smokers
Give Our Office a Call
Our dental implant dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, understand why you may be apprehensive ahead of your upcoming procedure. Rest assured, you are in good hands and we’ll do everything in our power to ensure you’re kept comfortable throughout your time with us. Call Excel Dental today at (734) 929-9999 to request an appointment.