Dental Implant Treatment is comfortable, survey reports

For some people, there is nothing more terrifying than the thought of a trip to the dentist.

Even scarier for some is the prospect of replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant.

However, as dental implants grow in popularity as a permanent solution to tooth loss, it is

time to put nervous minds at ease.

A recent survey conducted informally by the American Academy of Periodontology (Periodontology is the branch of dentistry that places implants) asked periodontal patients what factors stopped them from getting a dental implant. The second most

popular answer given by respondents was “fear or anxiety”.

However, the same survey also revealed that of those patients who had previously received a

dental implant, more than half reported “very little to no pain or discomfort” experienced during the process and only 33% described the procedure as “somewhat painful or uncomfortable”.

These survey results help demonstrate that although dental implant procedures illicit fear or anxiety in potential patients, the reality is that the actual experience is not something to be frightened of. In fact the biggest group of people in this survey found this to be the case!

Why is everyone so afraid of procedures such as dental implants?

Perhaps fearing the dentist and certain dental procedures is something that is ingrained in our minds from a young age? Perhaps it is the result of ongoing, perpetuated stereotypes?Regardless of the cause, it is important to find ways to “unlearn” this fear, especially if you have been recommended or are considering a dental implant as the best course of treatment.

Seeing a dentist regularly and trusting his or her advice will help you to best maintain your oral health and minimize expense, time, and discomfort. If you decide to get a dental implant and are feeling anxious or fearful, find ways to feel more in control of your experience.

Here are my top recommendations

Find a dentist who will carefully explain the procedure.

Knowing exactly what will occur when the dental implant is placed can help put your mind at ease.

Find a dentist who will explain your options for techniques to control pain and stress, such as medications, the use of local anesthesia, sedation, or relaxation techniques that can make your treatment virtually painless.

Do you think you may have found that dentist? If you do then I'd welcome a chat with you, please call me now on 01737 240123

Paul Barnes, Periodontist, Ringley Park Dental Practice

How can I get rid of my fear of the dentist?

Being afraid of the dentist is very common. Approximately 80% of the adult population in the USA reports some anxiety about forthcoming dental treatment. At Ringley Park Dental Practice in Reigate, Surrey, the dentists are experienced in offering dental treatment to nervous patients. Along with a caring approach our dentists aim to provide treatment in a kind and gentle manner. Treating nervous patients is something we are used to doing on a daily basis.

Starting at the first consultation, we aim to discuss your concerns in full and tailor your treatment accordingly. Your first appointment is intended to be a consultation without any treatment being carried out whatsoever. It can sometimes be a good idea to bring a friend or family member with you if you need some extra moral support.

If you haven’t been to a dentist for many years, don’t despair and don’t be embarrassed either. We are not here to be judgemental; we are merely looking to help you with your dental health and also to help you get over your fear of the dentist.

If the thought of treatment still seems too daunting or complicated, we have experienced anaesthetists available who can sedate you to make the experience more comfortable. Using this technique, drugs are given by injection and you are still conscious, but very relaxed indeed. Your awareness of the treatment is therefore minimal and the time passes very quickly.

For local anaesthetic procedures (using an injection to numb the tooth or gums) it is important that if anything is uncomfortable during treatment you can communicate this to your dentist. This means that you are far more in control and can give a signal (chosen by you and your dentist) to indicate that you need to stop.

The huge technological advances that have been made in dentistry over the last few years have also helped to make the experience far more comfortable and much less daunting. As a result, patients can be more confident that they can receive even complex dental treatment with the minimum of fuss. Some techniques avoid the use of the drill, such as Healozone, air-abrasion and bonding. Some don’t need any anaesthetic and therefore no needle! Alternatively the routine use of anaesthetic creams before an injection can reduce discomfort dramatically. Also a computerised local anaesthetic machine that looks like a pen called ‘The Wand’ has been shown to give more comfortable injections.

There is an immense amount of job satisfaction when people feel less anxious about their visits with us. Watching people gain confidence and develop good relationships with us is a fantastic part of our job.