Feeling nervous, anxious or apprehensive about the dentist is not uncommon, but for some it can make even going for a simple check-up extremely stressful, let alone when it comes to having an invasive dental procedure done.
We spoke to some experts about how the process of dental implants in Essex can be tailored and adapted to accommodate nervous patients.
What Does Dental Implant Surgery Involve?
Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth by surgically placing a titanium screw into the jaw bone which is then left to heal over 2-3 months, during which time the jaw will fuse with the implant. This creates an extremely stable replacement for the tooth root where they will then place an abutment which a permanent, customised tooth can then be attached to that looks and functions just like a real tooth.
Under most circumstances, dental implant treatment will be carried out under local anaesthetic where the patient remains fully awake but the area is numb so that they can’t feel anything.
What Can Be Done To Help Nervous Patients?
There are a number of different steps, techniques and approaches that can be used to help make dental implant surgery as comfortable and stress free as possible.
Communication, Prep And Planning
Speaking in detail with your dentist beforehand to fully understand what the treatment entails at every stage will help prepare you for what is to come and give you time to mentally prepare. You will also be able to ask any questions that you have which will hopefully put your mind at rest and make the process much easier to manage.
It might also be worth asking if the practice offers things such as acupuncture or hypnotherapy that can be used to help cope with dental anxiety.
Anaesthesia And Pain Relief
Although most dental implant surgery takes place under local anaesthesia, adjustments can and will be made to help accommodate nervous patients who need it. Discuss with your dentist what options they offer and the advantages of each to decide which is best suited to you.
- Conscious sedation helps to put patients into a dreamlike state where they feel relaxed yet are awake enough to respond to the dentist.
- General anaesthesia is for those who require more sedation and allows the patient to be put to sleep so that they are completely unaware of everything that goes on during the process.
- A combination of light sedation and local anaesthesia which is a balance between general and local anaesthetic.
Trust In Your Dentist
It is important that you are happy with your choice of dentist and find one who is willing to do everything they can to make you as comfortable as possible. Talk to them and be sure to ask what they can do to help you with things such as;
- Can you bring someone with you for the surgery?
- Do they have TV screens for you to watch during surgery?
- Can you listen to music?
These are things that can help to make you feel more settled and also work to distract you throughout the procedure to make the process go faster in a way that is easier for you.
