Four simple ways to overcome your fear of dental implants
Dental procedures can seem scary to many people, but that might be because you don’t really know what to expect. If the thought of getting dental implants gives you cold chills, read on to find out why it shouldn’t.
1. Understand that the implant procedure probably won’t be as painful as you think
The procedure for dental implants does sound painful – the implant itself is inserted into your jawbone through an incision in the gum, and then fuses to your jawbone over the space of a few months before a permanent restoration such as a crown or bridge is fitted on top.
It’s enough to put many people off the idea of getting dental implants – but once you actually understand the procedure, you’ll come to realise that it’s not as painful as it seems.
The implant procedure will take place under local anaesthetic, so the pain you experience during the actual procedure will be minimal or non-existent.
Most people find getting a tooth removed to be much more painful. Following the procedure, you may experience some swelling, discomfort or bleeding for up to a week afterwards, but this pain is usually mild and can be treated effectively with over-the-counter pain medications.
There’s really no need to be afraid of the pain you might experience with dental implants, because it won’t be nearly as painful as you are probably expecting.
2. Figure out a payment plan
One very common fear about dental implants is how much they will cost. The fact can’t be avoided that dental implants are not cheap, and are actually one of the most expensive types of dental restorations – initially at least.
The key word here is initially. Dental implants are the most durable, long-lasting and effective treatment option for replacing missing teeth, and will usually end up lasting a lifetime for most people. Other cheaper restorations (such as dentures or bridges) will not last nearly as long as an implant, so you will need to replace them much more often over your lifetime.
This may actually end up costing you more in the long run – not only in money, but also in the time spent continually replacing your restoration, and the need to undergo regular dental procedures.
You’re probably better off in the long run – financially and otherwise – choosing the best procedure that will give you good value for money and be cost-effective over your lifetime.
To help with this, many dentists offer payment plans and other options that will help you spread the cost over time and make the choice to get dental implants more affordable.
3. Think about the end result
Thinking about what you’ll achieve out of getting a dental implant should help you overcome any fear you may still have about the procedure. Dental implants can restore your smile to its former glory and will look extremely natural.
You’ll be able to smile without self-consciousness or embarrassment and present the best version of yourself to the world. That’s worth a lot – and when you really consider it, a few days of fairly minimal pain and inconvenience is a small price to pay when compared to the
advantages a dental implant will give you. And it’s certainly worth spending some money on yourself too, to have a beautiful smile for a lifetime.
4. Prepare in advance
Fear often grows when you are dealing in half-truths or suppositions – and nowhere is this more true than when it comes to dental procedures.
It can be scary not knowing what to expect – and chances are you could be worrying unnecessarily over procedures that probably aren’t as bad as you think.
Find out the truth and understand the procedure thoroughly, and ask your dentist to walk you through it step by step so that you can prepare in advance. You’ll probably find this helps relieve your fears and makes the procedure seem more achievable.
Where can I get dental implants?
You need expert advice and assistance when considering implants. Lentini Dental are the dental implant specialists in Melbourne and have the experience and expertise to guide you through the implant process with the utmost care. Contact the qualified, experienced and caring professionals at Lentini Dental here.