Interesting Facts About Dental Implants

Dental Implants. You’ve heard of them, perhaps you’ve even considered them for yourself or someone close to you, but do you really know about them? We have a handful of interesting facts you may not know about dental implants.

Anyone can get them

That’s right. Anyone. No matter your age, you’re eligible for a new smile. All you’ll need is a sign off from your Oral Surgeon saying your jaw is ready to take on the new smile. If they have any concerns, there are options to prep your jaw so you can be back on your way to a new set of pearly whites.

You wouldn’t be alone

The number of people who have implants is growing by 500,000 each year according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Join the 3 million people in the United States who already have implants.

Your implants, your secret

Unless you told someone you have implants, they wouldn’t know because implants look just like real teeth! Implants even fuse with your bone.

It only takes one day

With our Teeth-In-A-Day service you can come in and turn that frown upside down with a whole new set of teeth in simply one day. Check out our Teeth In A Day, A Second Chance At a First Impression post to learn more about the procedure.

Long-lasting

With a nearly 100% success rate, this permanent option is here to stay. Forget options you had to replace and adjust, like dentures, bridges and crowns. Dental implants are here and ready to keep your smile long-lasting. If you take special care of them, they have the potential to last longer than 18 years!

Now that you’ve heard our five interesting facts about dental implants, don’t hesitate to call with any questions you may have. Let us help you smile.

How to Overcome Your Fear of Oral Surgery

We are not your everyday practice; we genuinely care about our patients and relate to each one on a personal level. At our office you aren’t just a patient—you are family. We take great pride in having our patients leave happier than when they arrived. We understand oral surgery can make people feel uneasy so we have put together a list of ways you can overcome your fear of oral surgery. These ways are all related to pre-surgery steps we take to help you feel comfortable moving forward.

Open and Honest Communication

First, understand our team members are experts at managing the health, emotions, and expectations of our patients throughout each and every interaction. We strive to always communicate clearly with our patients by discussing their options, reviewing their treatment plan, and answering any questions or concerns they may have. We want them to feel calm and comfortable every time they visit our office.

State-of-the-art Facilities

Second, know that because of our state-of-the-art facilities in St. George, Cedar City, Delta, and Kanab, UT, and Page, AZ , our patients know are going to receive the finest care possible.

Convenience

Third, we are always available to answer any questions or concerns our patients may have. Drs. Davis is also available after hours for emergency care.

As a courtesy to our patients, we call on their insurance before their first appointment. By doing so, we ensure they have a shorter wait time, and we are able to provide them with a more accurate financial estimate.

Sedation Options

One of our main goals is to provide you with a surgical experience that is as comfortable as it is effective. That’s why we offer several methods of sedation. Your oral surgeon will work with you to decide on a personalized sedation plan that will give you the care you need while ensuring your comfort and safety every step of the way. The following are our options:

  • Local Anesthetic
  • Nitrous Oxide Sedation with Local Anesthetic
  • In-office IV Sedation or General Anesthesia
  • Hospital-Based General Anesthesia

To learn more about what each of the options includes, click here.

We hope this information has given you the comfort you need about oral surgery. If you still have concerns please don’t hesitate to call. We will walk you through everything you need to know to feel confident.

What are My Sedation Options?

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Sedation Options

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With so many different sedation options and techniques, it can become overwhelming to try and understand which option will be best for you. Your oral surgeon will work with you to decide on a personalized sedation plan that will give you the care you need while ensuring your comfort and safety every step of the way.

Local Anesthetics

  • The most common type of local anesthetic is lidocaine, which is administered by injection.

  • Often used for simple surgeries, such as gum treatments and tooth extractions. 

  • There are two kinds of numbing injections. A block injection numbs an entire region of your mouth, such as one side of your lower jaw. An infiltration injection numbs a smaller area. This is the area near where the injection was given.

Nitrous Oxide with Local Anesthetics (“Laughing Gas”)

  • Used for simple oral surgical treatments, such as extractions, wisdom teeth removal, and implant replacements.

  • When Nitrous Oxide is used with local anesthetic, patients won’t feel pain or anxiety.

  • Administered through a small mask that fits right over your nose.

In Office IV Sedation or General Anesthesia

  • Patients who receive this option go between consciousness and unconsciousness throughout their procedure and typically don’t remember the procedure.

  • Recommended that patients who receive deep sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off.

Your oral surgeon is also licensed by the state to administer general anesthesia, so you can receive the care you need in the comfort of our office. We provide general anesthesia for patients who need all types of oral surgery. Because of the anxiety related to dental procedures, you may choose general anesthesia for procedures as simple as wisdom tooth removal and implant placement, or as complex as full-mouth reconstruction.

Hospital-Based General Anesthesia

  • Used when oral surgery is performed at a hospital.

  • Administered by an anesthesiologist who will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure.

  • Most commonly used for facial reconstructive surgery and jaw reconstruction, TMJ, and patients who have complex medical conditions.

Because general anesthesia causes drowsiness for several hours after it is administered, you will be required to have a family member or friend drive you to and from your appointment. After your treatment, you should not drive, drink alcohol, or operate machinery.

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