Replacing teeth is of the utmost importance. The longer you go without replacing missing teeth, the more jawbone structure you’ll lose over time! Fortunately, dental implants replace missing teeth and stop bone loss in its tracks. However, patients can be wary of any oral surgeries, even dental implant treatment. Most often, we get patients asking, “Does getting a dental implant hurt?” or “Can I be asleep for dental implant treatment?” But at Riviera Dental Care, we believe in transparency and educating our patients.
To learn more about the dental implant treatment process, watch our comprehensive video!
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium screw that secures in your jaw to replace missing teeth. By replacing natural tooth roots, these implants both stimulate your bone to stay healthy and provide a strong foundation for restorations. Depending on your needs, we may place a dental crown, bridge, or denture on top to restore your smile.
At Riviera Dental Care, we use two types of dental implants.
Conventional implants are large and have multiple components. To place these implants, we need to create an incision in your gums to access your jaw and then make a hole in your bone to fit the implant. Additionally, because of its multi-piece design, these implants need multiple placement procedures.
While some cases benefit from conventional implants, we often prefer to use mini dental implants. These small titanium posts are almost half the size, requiring a less invasive placement process. Also, these implants feature a unique one-piece design that allows us to place them in one appointment. To learn which implant is right for you, we encourage you to book a free consultation with Riviera Dental Care in Foley, AL!
Does Getting a Dental Implant Hurt?
If you’re considering dental implant treatment but worried about pain, you don’t have to be! With modern implant procedures, especially mini implants, you can enjoy a more comfortable procedure.
Mini implants are minimally invasive, resulting in less post-operative discomfort. Rather than making an incision in your gums, we simply drill a small pilot hole through your gum and bone, placing the implant in one appointment.
This gentle procedure preserves much of the tissues surrounding your titanium post, making for easy healing and faster restoration.
Additionally, before beginning any implant treatment, we use a local anesthetic to numb your smile. This should be enough to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. But, for those with dental anxiety, we also offer multiple safe and effective sedation options.
Our Sedation Options
To further alleviate any concerns you have about pain, we offer multiple sedation options, including:
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): By inhaling the gas through a mouth or nose piece, you will experience a sense of calm and euphoria that lasts throughout your treatment. Then, once you’re done, simply breathe oxygen through the mask to flush out the effect.
- Oral Conscious Sedation – For a deeper level of relaxation, we recommend oral conscious sedation. This is a pill that we prescribe for you to take before your procedure. Then, have someone you trust drive you to your appointment. By the time you arrive, you should be feeling a deep sense of calm and relaxation. Then, when your appointment is over, have someone you trust drive you home and wait for the effects to wear off.
- IV Sedation – For patients with significant anxiety, we use IV sedation. This delivers anti-anxiety medication directly into your bloodstream. Throughout the procedure, we will monitor your levels to make sure you’re completely safe. After your procedure, the effects may linger, so make sure to have someone you trust drive you home.
With these options, we can help make your dental implant treatment a comfortable and stress-free experience.
Does Getting a Dental Implant Hurt? Find Comfortable Care at Riviera Dental Care!
Replacing missing teeth is a vital step towards a healthier smile. But when fear and anxiety get in the way, it can be difficult to undergo necessary dental treatments. Fortunately, we use minimally invasive procedures and safe and effective sedation options to help you relax during treatment.
Book a free implant consultation today to learn if you’re eligible for mini implants!
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