Put Your Mind At Ease Over Having Dental Implants

Getting dental implants may be the ideal way to restore the appearance and function of your mouth. However, you might be leery of getting implants, since the process sounds complicated and painful. The first step is to consult with an implant dentist who will determine if you're a good candidate for implants and address any concerns you may have. Here are a few things that might help you feel more comfortable with the idea of getting implants.

Each Implant Case Is Different

Your mouth may not be the same as your friend's, who had to have grafts and months of treatment. Your dentist considers your individual circumstances, when determining the right way to do the procedure and the type of treatments you need. So, if you've heard stories from others who have had dental implants, remember that everyone is different and that your treatment plan is tailored to you and your goals.

Bone Grafts Are Not Always Needed

Even if you have bone loss or were told, in the past, that you would need a bone graft, you should go for an implant consultation. New methods of putting in dental implants are being devised, all the time. It's now possible to use alternative approaches for dental implants, when thinning bones are present.

General Anesthesia Isn't Always Necessary

If you've heard general anesthesia is given when you get implants, you may want to discuss other options with your dentist. An implant can be put in using local anesthetic, like you get with any other type of dental work. If you have a fear of having general anesthesia, then your dentist can probably find other ways of putting in implants while keeping you comfortable. Having dental implants is not a painful experience, even if you don't have a general anesthesia, since the area being worked on is numbed first.

Dental Anxiety Can Be Dealt With

If your teeth are in bad shape because you have too much dental anxiety over the thought of having work done, then you'll want to let your dentist know about this. Rather than avoiding dental work, find a way to deal with your anxiety. Your dentist might help by giving you medication that relaxes you or by putting you to sleep. There are effective means for dealing with dental anxiety, needle phobias, and other fears that keep you from restoring your mouth.

You're Not Too Old For Implants

While teens can be too young for implants, since their jaws are still growing, there is no upper age limit for getting dental implants. If you need one or more implants to improve your smile or make it easier to eat, talk to your dentist.