Nervous About Dental Implants? Here are Five Reasons Not to
Dental implants not only offer a long-term solution for missing teeth but also preserve your dental bone. But, despite their many benefits, some people shy away from implants because they believe the process is painful. However, with the advancement of dental technology, the process is completely pain-free. Furthermore, the implants are safe if done by a qualified and experienced dentist. Before you dismiss them, here are five reasons not to:
1. We Plan the Procedure
Before our dentist begins the treatment, she will discuss the procedure, the timeline, and the risks involved. Next, the dental team will give you an overview of what to expect during your procedure. The tooth implant procedure involves:
- Dental health assessment
This pre-surgery step involves examining your dental health to check if you are eligible for the procedure. An x-ray may be done to assess your bone density and jawbone structure.
Dental implants need a strong bone density for them to be successful. If you have a significant bone loss, the dentist may recommend a bone graft to promote bone regeneration. Dental bone grafting involves transplanting bone tissue to support jawbone growth. The bone tissue can be obtained from your body, a cadaver, or animal bones. A bone graft can take four to five months to heal for the procedure to be done.
If you have sufficient bone density, then the dentist will drill the bone and insert the titanium metal posts. It can take up to nine months depending on the location of the implant for the implant to fuse to the bone.
- Abutment fixing
When the osseointegration (implant fusing to the bone) is complete, you will need a second surgery to fix the abutment that connects the crown to the implant. It is a minor surgery that involves opening the gum, fixing the abutment and closing the gum.
- Fixing of the crown
The dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create crowns and you can choose between removable and fixed crowns. The dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment.
2. We Minimize the Pain
Dental implant treatment is a surgical procedure and therefore will need anesthesia. But, more than that, we use sedation to reduce anxiety and make the procedure bearable. Several dental sedation options are available, but the commonly used for a dental implant is the IV sedation. Intravenous sedation is administered through the veins to reduce awareness. The dentist can also use general anesthesia or sleep dentistry if you have severe anxiety or gag reflex.
3. The Dentist Will Give You Aftercare Instructions
You will experience pain after the procedure as the anesthesia begins to wear off. The discomfort will last for a few days, but you can use pain relievers to hasten the process. If the pain doesn’t stop or you have residual bleeding, then you need to visit our dentist for treatment. You can also take prescribed antibiotics to prevent gum infection.
4. A Few Complications Can Arise but Can Be Prevented
Dental implant surgery has minimal risks and a success rate of 95%. However, several complications can arise such as:
- Gum infection or bleeding
- Sinus problems
- Implant rejection can occur when the osseointegration process is not successful
- Nerve damage
5. Implants Offer Great Benefits
Tooth implants have great benefits such as:
- They are long-lasting as the implants can last for over 25 years if done correctly. Even if the crowns chip, the dentist can fix them easily without the lengthy process.
- The artificial teeth mimic your natural teeth in function and luster
- You can still maintain good oral hygiene even with the implants as they seamlessly fuse to the gum and look like your natural teeth.
Come for an Assessment
Although there are other dental solutions such as bridges or veneers, dental implants give you a permanent solution. The implants may have a few risks, but the benefits far outweigh the risks involved. Don’t be nervous about the surgery, rather visit our Susan J. Curley DDS clinic for a discussion on whether implants are suitable for you.