09 Apr Are You Afraid to Get Dental Implants?
If you’re afraid of getting dental implants, you’re not alone. There are many different reasons why people feel anxious about dental procedures, especially invasive procedures like implant placement. If the idea of getting dental implants is frightening to you, learning more about the procedure and the safety measures we take might help relieve some of your anxiety. Let’s go over some of the most common reasons why people are afraid to get dental implants.
1: General Anxiety/Panic Attacks
Dental anxiety is a very common problem, affecting more than one third of the population. Some people feel claustrophobic, others fear that they will have a panic attack in the dentist’s chair.
At Prescott Dentistry, we try to provide a safe and calming environment for our patients. If you have a fear of needles or dental drills, or just general anxiety about dental procedures, please let us know. We want to help you get through it, so that your dental health doesn’t suffer because you’ve been putting off the treatments you need.
2: Fear of Surgery
Getting a dental implant is a minor surgery, and many people are hesitant to proceed for this reason. But unless you need bone grafts first, the procedure should be minimally invasive. It also has very high success rates: over 90% of dental implant surgeries are successful and complication-free.
3: Fear of Anesthesia/Sedation
Because implanting the post is a surgical procedure, some form of anesthesia will be required. In general, you will have three options for anesthesia:
- Local anesthesia to numb the implant site. Just like getting a dental filling, you will be fully aware during the procedure but will not feel any pain.
- Partial sedation, where you are still conscious, but you feel calm and relaxed. You won’t remember much of what happened during the procedure.
- General anesthesia, which puts you in a sleep-like state. You will be unconscious for the entire procedure.
If you are afraid you will have a panic attack, partial sedation or general anesthesia will be your best options. But if you have a fear of being unconscious, local anesthesia or partial sedation would be better for you.
4: Fear of Side Effects
As with a tooth extraction or wisdom teeth removal, there is a small risk of nerve damage. Injury to the inferior alveolar nerve can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and difficulty with speech or chewing.
However, this side effect is extremely rare, especially when the procedure is performed by an experienced oral surgeon. And using technology like 3D scans and computer-guided placement will improve precision and reduce the risk of injury even further.
Infections are the most common side effect of implant surgery, and they can cause implant failure. Usually, however, they can be prevented by following a strict oral hygiene routine during recovery.
5: Fear of Implant Failure
At Prescott Dentistry, we offer biocompatibility testing, so you don’t have to worry about your body rejecting your implants. For example, if you have any metal sensitivities, you may have a higher chance of implant failure with titanium posts. Bio-compatible ceramic implants would be a much safer choice, and significantly reduce the risk of rejection.
Dental Implants vs. Bridges
When it comes to choosing between getting an implant or a bridge, many people opt for a dental bridge because it’s a less invasive procedure. However, getting a bridge means you also have to get crowns on two otherwise healthy teeth. If you want to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, dental implants are a better option.
Implants will also last you a lifetime, compared to a bridge, which will only last for 10-15 years. Dental implants are easier to care for than a bridge, so there is less risk of gum disease. Implants also have the advantage of preventing bone loss in the jaw, which helps preserve the shape of your face.
Dental Implants in Prescott, Arizona
At Prescott Dentistry, we approach every procedure from a holistic perspective. If you are afraid that getting implants would be harmful to your mental health, then a bridge would be a better option. But if you decide that getting a dental implant would be better for your health in the long run, we will do everything in our power to ease your anxiety.
If you need to replace missing teeth but you’re worried about getting implants, schedule a consultation with us. We’ll go over all of your options and help you make a decision that you’re comfortable with and that preserves your oral health.
Photo by Robert on Unsplash used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 4/3/25.