Are you considering dental implants for missing teeth but you’re nervous about pain? Many patients at our Long Island City, Queens, office come to us asking “Does getting a dental implant hurt?” You can rest assured that the answer is no. In this article, we’ll explain why and, if you’re still feeling nervous, we have a solution for that too.
Local Anesthesia Numbs the Treatment Site
Before we begin any dental treatment, especially a procedure like placing dental implants, we work carefully to numb the area. We do this by injecting a medication that will work on the nerves and stop pain signals from being processed by the brain. Once the area has been fully affected by the anesthetic, you might feel some pressure as we work but you shouldn’t feel any pain.
But Don’t Local Anesthetic Injections Hurt?
If you’re worried about the injections themselves causing pain, you’re not alone. Today’s dental injections have improved dramatically over the years. The needles have become finer and we have learned more about techniques that allow us to quickly–and precisely–deliver the medication exactly where it needs to go. While you might feel a pinch, our Long Island City patients do not describe the experience as painful.
We Also Offer Sedation to Calm Anxious Patients
Still nervous? We get it. For many patients, the mere thought of dental implant surgery is enough to cause discomfort. In addition to local anesthetic to block pain signals at the site, we can help patients relax with sedation dentistry. We offer two options:
Oral Sedation
If you choose to undergo oral sedation, we’ll prescribe a medication that you’ll pick up before your appointment. In most cases, you’ll be instructed to take one or more pills about an hour before your visit to our Long Island City practice.
IV Sedation
IV sedation involves delivering the medication directly to your bloodstream. It’s even faster-acting and can be adjusted throughout the procedure, as needed. We work with a board-certified anesthesiologist to uphold the highest health and safety standards.
Both types of sedation will make you feel calm and relaxed. Depending on the type and dose, you will remain somewhat alert so you can cooperate with our team, or you might fall asleep.
It’s important to have a friend or family member drive you to and from your appointments. You’ll also want to plan on taking the rest of the day off to rest and let the effects of the medication wear off.
Consider: Neglecting Your Oral Health Can Cause Pain
If you’re missing teeth or need extractions, you’re likely no stranger to dental pain. The truth is, the longer you suffer from missing teeth, the greater the potential for even greater discomfort in the future.
We know that the thought of surgery might sound intimidating but dental implants can lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient smile for years to come.
Learn More by Requesting a Dental Implant Consultation
Simply learning more about your options can begin to alleviate anxiety for some patients. We encourage you to reach out today to request a dental implant consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.
