Does Getting a Dental Implant Hurt?
Dental implants are widely considered the best treatment available for missing teeth. Because they fuse with the jawbone, they can support replacement teeth with unmatched stability and prevent the jawbone deterioration that occurs after tooth loss. Did you know that they’re the only treatment option that offers this benefit?
As our name suggests, the Premier Dental & Implant Center in Orland Park, IL, specializes in implant dentistry. We are proud to have helped many, many patients overcome their struggles with tooth loss, each with a unique treatment plan. However, the one thing almost all patients have in common is this question: Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Should I Expect Pain When I Get an Implant?
If you’re considering dental implants and wondering the same, we’re glad to be able to tell you that the answer is no, getting a dental implant is generally not painful. In fact, many people say it’s no more unpleasant than having a tooth extracted with anesthetic.
It’s important to know that there are some situations in which patients may require a little extra care to keep comfortable during implant placement. For these patients, sedation can make all the difference.
What Are the Best Sedation Options for Dental Implants?
There are three main types of dental sedation: nitrous oxide, oral conscious, and IV sedation. All three are effective at inducing relaxation during dental implant surgery, but since nitrous oxide is administered through a face mask, it can be trickier to use in surgical procedures. We prefer treating implant patients with oral conscious or IV sedation, both of which are readily available at our practice. Take a look at the differences between the two:
Oral Conscious Sedation
This type of sedation is taken in the form of a pill. It’s prescribed by your implant dentist ahead of time and can be taken an hour before your procedure. It will make you feel sleepy and relaxed in the dentist’s chair, but you won’t necessarily fall asleep, allowing you to communicate with your dentist throughout the procedure. If you choose oral conscious sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
IV Sedation
IV sedation, also known as “twilight” sedation, is administered through an intravenous line in the arm. Because it directly enters the bloodstream, it takes effect quickly and induces even deeper relaxation than oral conscious sedation. It’s typical for IV sedation patients to fall asleep during their procedures and have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. As with oral conscious sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home after IV sedation.
Members of our Orland Park team have special training in IV sedation. We will closely monitor you throughout treatment and can adjust your dosage at any time for optimal comfort. For patients with especially complex needs, we can also coordinate with a licensed anesthesiologist to provide general anesthesia.
Reasons Why Dental Implant Patients Choose Sedation
- Dental anxiety: If you feel nervous about visiting the dentist, you’re far from alone. Research from the American Dental Hygienists’ Association has shown that anywhere from 50–80% of American adults experience some level of dental anxiety.
- Trouble sitting still: Conditions like ADHD, Parkinson’s, and restless leg syndrome can make it very difficult to sit in the dentist’s chair for the duration of implant placement. Sedation can calm both the mind and the body.