Will It Hurt? Implants And The Pain Factor
It's only natural to be concerned about the pain factor when anticipating a serious dental issue. Some patients, unfortunately, have a history of experiencing pain during or after a procedure. Things don't have to be painful, however. Dental anesthesia practices have progressed to the point that many are pleasantly surprised. Read on and find out what to expect in terms of the pain factor for your upcoming dental implant procedure.
Discuss Things with Your Doctor
A lot of preparation goes into dental implants. You may meet with your dentist several times for X-rays, cleanings, and to discuss anesthesia choices. And you will have choices in the matter. Your dentist will take into consideration your comfort level and help you arrive at an anesthesia choice that provides complete relief from any pain or discomfort.
If even the thought of undergoing a dental procedure makes you break out in a cold sweat, ask your dentist for a prescription for a couple of relaxation pills to take before arriving. They won't make you sleep, but they will make you less anxious.
Your anesthesia choice depends upon your level of comfort with the procedure but also the exact circumstances are taken into consideration. Some people decide to have more than one implant done in a single day. That may affect your anesthesia choices. Others may have sensitive gums. Those who have previously dealt with gum disease or have had a bone graft in the jawbones may also be temporarily more sensitive to the implant procedure.
Know Your Options
Most dentists offer every level of pain relief for their patients. However, those who want to be completely unconscious may need to go to a dentist who employs a specialist. This type of anesthesia involves being sedated using a mask. There is slightly more risk in this type of anesthesia but may be appropriate for many patients.
The most basic type of pain relief is the numbing injection many are accustomed to for fillings and other minor procedures. The next step may be laughing gas or nitrous oxide. This gas wears off quickly once the procedure is done and can work well for many. In many cases, patients may opt for a relaxation pill, a numbing injection, and laughing gas for total comfort.
The next level up may be IV (intravenous) pain relief. This is a very safe and popular choice since it acts quickly and provides the patient with total pain relief.
Speak to your dentist and learn more about pain relief options.
