If you believe that full mouth (or full-arch) dental implants may be the best solution for your damaged or missing teeth but have been putting off booking an initial consultation because the procedure seems intimidating, you’re not alone. Many Americans suffer from anxiety and fears surrounding dental procedures or surgeries, and the thought of receiving multiple implants and a whole new set of prosthetic teeth all at the same time may seem overwhelming—at least until you’re more thoroughly educated about the process.
At Doctors Implants, welcoming nervous patients to our state-of-the-art facilities with warmth, empathy, and professionalism is a fundamental part of who we are. Our highly trained and experienced doctors, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and support staff make it a priority to educate patients and be by their side every step of the implant journey. Individual concerns are met and addressed with the utmost compassion, and our outstanding patient testimonials and outcomes speak for themselves.
This post is a comprehensive guide to managing dental anxiety related to dental implant surgery. If anxiety is one of the main barriers you face in seeking the dental care you need, the information below is for you. We’ll explore what defines dental anxiety and provide actionable suggestions on how to decrease it in preparation for a dental implant procedure. To conclude, we’ll provide an overview of some of the impactful ways the expert team at Doctors Implants empowers its patients to overcome dental anxiety.
Do you still have concerns about dental anxiety after reading this post? Contact our kind and knowledgeable team directly to learn more about how we can support you.
Understanding Dental Anxiety and Its Impact
Anxiety is a normal human emotion, but when it becomes excessive or impacts daily life and decisions to a great extent, it’s important to work to effectively address and resolve it. Many patients feel a little nervous before a dental procedure, but if anxious feelings are overwhelming or debilitating, exploring possible ways to alleviate them is key.
What Is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety, also known as dental phobia, is characterized by severe anxiety or fear surrounding dental procedures. At its most extreme, it may be classified as an anxiety disorder and can result in avoidance behavior that prevents patients from seeking necessary dental care. The reasons behind dental anxiety vary but may be related to previous negative dental experiences and/or a fear of pain, needles, or loss of control.
If the thought of undergoing a dental procedure fills you with dread and worry, you likely suffer from some form of dental anxiety. Dental anxiety exists on a spectrum, but common symptoms include:
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Rapid pulse
- Difficulty breathing
- Avoiding dental treatment
- Panic/emotional distress leading up to and during dental treatments
Preparing for Dental Implant Treatment With Anxiety
Your number one most important ally in overcoming dental anxiety is your dentist or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. At Doctors Implants, we make it a priority to establish meaningful relationships with our patients and take the time to truly answer their questions and understand their concerns. When we become aware that a patient suffers from dental anxiety, we work with them to create a personalized treatment plan that takes all of their needs and concerns into account. We never judge and are never in a hurry to push patients into a procedure without ensuring they’re fully physically and emotionally prepared.
At Doctors Implants, we recognize that seeking implant surgery with dental anxiety takes a great deal of courage, and we encourage nervous patients to keep communication channels open by:
- Being honest and open with us about their fears and needs
- Asking questions
- Trusting that we will make a plan with their best interests in mind
- Sharing the techniques they are using to emotionally prepare for the procedure (see suggestions below)
Sedation Options for Dental Implant Surgery
Receiving adequate sedation can be an important piece of the puzzle for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety. Sedation can take the edge off of fears and help you relax, even in a stressful situation.
At Doctors Implants, any necessary tooth extractions and the placement of implants into the jawbone are always performed under full sedation to ensure the most comfortable experience possible.
Healthy Practices To Alleviate Anxiety
The team at Doctors Implants will do everything possible to make your full mouth dental implant surgery (and subsequent appointments) comfortable and stress-free, but being proactive about preparing for situations that may provoke anxiety is also critical. The most effective techniques to manage dental anxiety will vary from person to person but may include some or all of the following:
- Mindfulness and relaxation practices, including meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, and positive visualizations
- Self-care practices including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and an adequate nightly sleep schedule
- Working with a counselor or therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders (medication may also be warranted in more severe cases)
Confronting Dental Anxiety for Successful Treatment
While avoiding dental treatments may seem easier than tackling your fears in the short term, the truth is this: Over the long term, dental avoidance takes its toll. Some of the negative outcomes associated with delaying treatment for dental issues can include:
- The development of more serious problems, including infection, tooth loss, and increased pain
- An increase in the scope and complication of necessary dental procedures
- A greater financial cost associated with complex dental procedures
Perhaps one of the reasons you are now considering full mouth dental implants is because of damage to your teeth caused, at least in part, by avoiding dental treatments over time. We strongly encourage you to break the vicious cycle and take the courageous step of setting up an appointment with our dedicated team.
The 6 Hour Smile
At Doctors Implants, our proprietary 6 Hour Smile is a state-of-the-art, same-day procedure that has been refined thousands of times over and provided countless patients with new and dazzling smiles. Here are a few of the ways we empower our patients, including those with dental anxiety, to approach the procedure calmly and with confidence:
- We actively cultivate a safe and comfortable environment where communication is foregrounded.
- We maintain an excellent track record; our implant success rate is greater than 99%.
- We fully sedate all patients during the surgical components of the procedure.
- We offer personalized pain management plans to all of our patients.
- Our doctors and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are highly trained experts in their field.
Ready to take the first step toward putting yourself in the dental chair under the expert care of our world-class team at Doctors Implants? Contact us today to book your free doctor’s consultation!
