You’re not alone if you feel intimidated or scared by the thought of having a dental implant placed. It’s completely normal, though luckily, the actual process is straightforward and not as different from other restorative procedures as patients might assume. Our Cadillac, MI, dental implant dentists also have years of experience placing the titanium posts.
Here’s why it’s worth it in the long run to overcome your fear of the dental implant procedure.
We Understand Patient Fear & 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 dental sedation options, like laughing gas, that will help you relax in the dental chair.
Inside of our Cadillac, MI, dental office, we will never pressure you to pursue anything you don’t want to do. Our dentist and staff are here to serve you and help you choose the right restoration needed for your smile.
Examining the Actual Procedure
It may be surprising to learn that 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 before starting 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.
Do I Qualify for Dental Implants?
To be a , 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 which can take several months to complete.
If you think dental implants might be for you, you 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 a dental bone graft 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
Make an Appointment
Our dental implant dentists in Cadillac, MI, will always make sure you have every piece of information you need before moving forward with a surgical procedure. Call LifeSmiles Dentistry today at (231) 775-8281 to request an appointment and learn more.
