Avoiding Implants Due to Dental Anxiety?

Do you have missing teeth that you’d like to replace with dental implants, but you just can’t get over the fear of the procedure? You’re certainly not alone. Dental anxiety or dental fear affects many Americans. In fact, about 85% of adults have some form of dental anxiety. In nearly 10-20% of these people, dental treatments are neglected or avoided altogether due to their fears. While anxiety can keep some patients from even getting a routine dental cleaning, for a lengthier and more complex procedure such as dental implants, fears can be especially high.

There are many reasons that cause patients to fear the dentist, or avoid dental implants due to their anxiety. While a recent study from West Virginia University suggests dental care-related fear and anxiety can be due to genetic influences, the more common dental fear triggers are below:

• Fear of pain
• Gag reflex
• Needle phobia
• Sound of dental drill
• Past experience
• Embarrassment of dental condition
• Loss of control

Dental implants involve an oral surgery that places a titanium post into your jawbone. The mere thought of this procedure can send someone’s heart racing. However, you should know that a modern dentist is equipped with cutting-edge technology, advanced anesthetics and sedation dentistry to help you relax.

A Modern Dentist Can Help

At the office of Dr. Wayne Suway, we want patients to feel comfortable from the moment they walk through our doors. We never rush you, and you’ll find we offer many amenities that feel like home. In addition, we tell patients exactly what to expect during and after the procedure. You’ll have a chance to share your specific concerns, including your biggest source of anxiety or fear. In nearly all cases, we can accommodate your dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry is one of the most revolutionary additions to dental care. Sedation dentistry can take the form of oral conscious sedation (pill), nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) or IV sedation. You’ll be completely relaxed while you are in the dental chair, and you may not even remember what happened after we are done.

When it comes to getting dental implants, time is of the essence. The longer you wait to replace missing teeth, the more bone you’re likely to lose. This could cause you to need bone grafting, an additional procedure prior to your dental implant surgery. If dental anxiety is holding you back from restoring your smile with implant dentistry, please talk it through with us Marietta office. You’ll be surprised at how we can combat your biggest fears for the sake of your smile.