Today we’re going to talk about the three main questions I get asked when a patient is told that they need an implant. I’m Dr. Rachel Miro, and I’m a dentist here at Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists. Let’s talk about implants and the most common questions.
Question 1: Is It Going to Hurt?
Pain During the Procedure
The first question I get asked, and really every patient asks, is, “Is it going to hurt? How much pain am I going to be in?”
To put it simply, implants are not really a painful procedure. It’s localized to the area where you’re missing a tooth. The first thing that we always do when we place an implant is make sure that we get the patient nice and numb. During the procedure, the patient feels absolutely nothing, even if they decide to be awake.
Sedation Options
Obviously, some patients would rather be put to sleep, and this is also an option. If you want to be put to sleep so you don’t remember anything, that’s totally fine. But if you’re a patient who is anxious about being put to sleep and just doesn’t want to feel anything, implants are still possible. We can just get you nice and numb, just like we do for a filling, and ensure you feel nothing throughout your dental procedure.
Pain After the Procedure
Then patients wonder, “Will I have pain afterward?”
Usually, the pain is more like a sensitivity in your gums. I always tell patients it kind of feels like you have a pizza burn in the area. This can usually be managed with alternating Advil and
Tylenol. Within 48 hours after the procedure, you tend not to feel much discomfort.
Question 2: How Long Will It Take?
Duration of Single Implant Procedure
The second question that we get asked is, “How long will it take?”
This depends on how many implants you’re getting. If you’re just getting a single implant, it usually takes about 30 minutes for the actual procedure. After that, it will take about 15 minutes for us to give you instructions on how to properly care for the area and other details. All in all, you’re out of the office in about an hour.
Duration of Multiple Implants Procedure
If you’re getting multiple implants, you can expect to be in the office for about an hour and a half to two hours. During this time, we make sure that you’re comfortable, ensure you don’t feel anything, and accommodate any needs you have. Our goal is to make the implant placement process as comfortable as possible for you.
Respecting Your Time
One thing we stress in our office is that your time is important to us. Therefore, when we tell you your appointment is at 7, 8, or 9, we will get you back as soon as that time comes. We ensure that if we tell you you’ll be here for 45 minutes or an hour, that’s exactly the amount of time you spend in our office. We want you to feel respected and that your time is valued.
Time Until You Get the Tooth Part
Another time-sensitive question we get asked is, “How long will it take until I get the tooth part?”
The actual implant is the little titanium piece that goes into the bone where the tooth is missing. It’s not the visible part that looks nice and pretty. Usually, it takes about 12 to 16 weeks for your implant to heal before we actually screw the tooth part into the implant. We have lots of options for you, whether it be something removable or a temporary piece, so you’ll never have to go with a gap.
Question 3: Will It Look Natural?
Ensuring Natural Appearance
The last common question that we get asked is, “Will it look natural?”
Here in our office, we strive to make all restorations look natural. We put a lot of thought into placing the implant before you come in. We always get a 3D X-ray to determine the best location to place the implant to ensure your tooth looks natural. We also take a shade to match the perfect color of the surrounding teeth. We work extra hard to ensure that the tooth looks natural and not fake.
Conclusion
These are the three most common questions that I get asked about dental implants. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call. We’re happy to answer any implant questions you might have. I’m Dr. Rachel Miro, and I’m a dentist here at Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists. I’m here to help you watch your mouth.
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