Dental implants are the most recommended option for failing or missing teeth.
Dental implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, giving patients the freedom to eat and socialise again with confidence while enjoying a gorgeous, natural-looking smile.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of implants, patients are concerned that implant surgery will hurt. This frequently runs the risk of putting them off potentially life-changing dental treatment.
Here at Marylebone Implant Centre (MIC) we want our patients to receive the most up-to-date information, so read on to learn which methods we use to ensure getting dental implants in London will be comfortable and safe.
Comfortable dental implant procedures
To ensure our patients are kept comfortable and relaxed during dental implant procedures, we have prepared many methods in-house. These include:
- Effective anaesthetic use
- Specialist surgical equipment
- Stringent aftercare
This mix of methods limits the tenderness associated with dental implants in London and ensures our patients receive the very best of care at MIC.
Anaesthetic use when getting dental implants
During the procedure to fit your dental implants, you will be given a local anaesthetic to stop you from feeling any pain.
Local anaesthetic is vastly preferred during dental procedures, because, unlike general anaesthetic, it does not cause you to lose consciousness.
Being fully unconscious would likely hinder the installation process and could actually increase the risks associated with the surgery.
Moreover, it requires less specific preparation and reduces procedure time. This means that patients recover much faster, and unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and feeling cold and shivering, can be completely avoided.
Local anaesthetic is therefore the preferred option for dental implants. It is applied in the areas where the dental implant screws will be inserted to ensure that it will not hurt during the preparation and installation phases.
Our dental professionals will be sure not to start the procedure until the area is fully numb, and can offer numbing cream before the local anaesthetic to help patients who are nervous or upset by needles.
Silent surgical equipment during dental implant procedures
Once the mouth is fully numb and you are relaxed, we will then start to prepare the area for the dental implant screws.
Our dental professionals will gently open the gum above where the implant will be inserted and use a series of highly precise surgical drills to create the bed for the implant to slot into.
These surgical drills are specifically designed to be silent, unlike drills you may have previously experienced during a filling. You may be able to notice some gentle vibrations and pressure on the area, but thanks to the anaesthetic, there should be no soreness.
Stringent aftercare for dental implants
After the dental implant has been placed, your clinician will place a small healing cap atop each implant and may use a few small dissolvable stitches to close your gum.
After X-rays to check the implant placement, you will be given clear and easy-to-follow aftercare instructions. If followed closely, these instructions will give your mouth the best chance to heal and can help move you on to the next stage of your treatment.
Part of this aftercare will cover pain relief and what you should eat following your procedure.
If needed, your clinician will encourage the use of over-the-counter pain medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, which should be taken as instructed on the packet.
Soft easy-to-eat foods would be best after your procedure, as your chewing capacity will be reduced and injury to the procedure site can occur accidentally when eating. Similarly, you may be advised to avoid very hot or cold drinks, which could cause discomfort.
Following aftercare instructions carefully and allowing your body time to rest is the best way to keep you comfortable and allow your mouth to heal.
Contact us to discuss getting dental implants
With years of experience fitting dental implants, Marylebone Implant Centre (MIC) has developed methods of making dental implant procedures more comfortable for every kind of patient that comes in to see us.
For more information on dental implants including dental implant costs London or how we keep our patients comfortable during our range of procedures, you can give us a call or email us. We would be glad to hear from you and talk through any questions you may have.