I’m Nervous About Getting an Implant
Nervous about getting a dental implant? You’re not alone. Even though the procedure is safe and effective, with a success rate over 95%, many people have anxiety about the implant process.
At Dental Studios in Summit and Westfield, New Jersey, our experienced dentists have used dental implants — including the innovative All-on-4® system — to successfully replace missing or diseased teeth for countless patients. We also know many patients worry about the process.
Understanding more about dental implants, how they work, and why they’re an excellent tooth replacement option can help calm your nerves. Taking practical steps before your procedure can also keep anxiety under control. That’s why we created this useful guide.
Dental implants: An overview
Dental implants have three parts: a post, a prosthetic tooth cap, and an abutment that connects them. The screw-like post acts like the new root of your tooth. Your dentist surgically implants the post in your jawbone. As it heals, it fuses with your bone and stays firmly in place.
Once your jaw heals from the post implant procedure, your provider adds a dental prosthetic. Prosthetics differ depending on your needs and include options like a crown or bridge.
With the prosthetic in place, your completed dental implant works like your natural teeth. This means you can smile, laugh, eat, and talk without worrying that it will move or fall out.
Calming your anxiety about implants
It’s natural to feel nervous about any dental surgery. The good news is there are steps you can take to ease your nerves. Here are some tips to help ease your fears about getting an implant:
1. Know what to expect
Knowing the ins and outs of the dental implant procedure helps ease your nerves. Your provider goes over every step of the process during your implant consultation.
The exact process depends on the number of teeth that need replacing and the type of implant you need. At Dental Studios, we offer single implants, All-on-4 implants, and other implant prosthetics, like those that support dentures.
If you have any concerns or questions, your dentist takes time to review them and make sure you feel confident about your choice.
2. Ask for comfort sedation
Many patients feel nervous about dental procedures! Our dentists at Dental Studios understand that, and it’s our goal to make every patient as comfortable as possible.
During the post implant procedure, your dentist uses a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel pain. We also provide sedation dentistry for patients with anxiety over any part of the process, from post to prosthetics. Your options are:
- Nitrous oxide
- Oral sedatives
- Intravenous (IV) sedation
If you’re worried about your procedure, don’t hesitate to talk to your provider. We do everything we can to keep you calm and at ease so you get the dental care you need.
3. Don’t worry about post-operative pain
Thanks to advances in dental implantation techniques, you experience minimal tissue disruption after your implant procedure. It’s normal to have some local discomfort and inflammation following your surgery, but the majority of our patients find that over-the-counter pain relievers are enough to ease any discomfort.
4. Understand that dental implants are safe and effective
Dental implants are made of a biocompatible metal called titanium. This means your body accepts the implant and builds bone around it. It also means your implant won’t corrode or shed metal, and there are few risks.
Dental implants are also highly effective. They’ve been used for decades to treat oral health issues, and long-term studies show they have a success rate over 95%.
To learn more about dental implants or for help with dental anxiety, contact Dental Studios in Summit or Westfield, New Jersey via our online appointment tool or over the phone.