Dental implants can do a world of good for your smile and overall quality of life. They make chewing your favorite foods possible again and renew your confidence. And if you’ve been putting off a consultation because you’re worried that the procedure will be painful, we’re here to tell you not to worry.

At the office of Dr. Mark W. Wilhelm, DMD, MSD, we’re able to provide a pain-free dental implant procedure. Dr. Wilhelm is a specialist in the field of prosthodontics, meaning he underwent training above and beyond dental school to become an expert in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Plus, we minimize pain and stress with three forms of dental sedation.

Read on to learn more about how you can enjoy all the benefits of dental implants without a painful procedure. Then, if you’re looking for high-quality dental implants in Woodbury, MN, call us at (651) 319-9064 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilhelm!

The Basics Of Dental Implant Placement

When we’re talking about patient comfort during a dental implant procedure, it’s helpful to better understand what the procedure entails. Dental implants are small titanium posts that serve as artificial tooth roots, allowing you to replace both the bony support structure of the missing tooth as well as the visible crown.

When you go to get a dental implant placed, Dr. Wilhelm gently inserts the artificial tooth root into the bone socket of your jaw, where your natural tooth root used to be. It’s standard to thoroughly numb the area using a local anesthesia before the work begins. And for some people, it’s all they need to feel comfortable. In fact, most people say it’s less painful than a routine tooth extraction.

But Dr. Wilhelm and his talented staff are able to make the process even more comfortable for you with dental sedation.

Dental Sedation For A Pain-Free Procedure

Sedation dentistry, also sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” uses certain medications to reduce pain and stress during dental work. Dr. Wilhelm offers four different kinds of dental sedation, including options that will allow you to be near asleep and fully asleep during your procedure.

You can choose from:

• Nitrous oxide. This is probably the form of dental sedation that most people are already familiar with. Commonly called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide allows you to experience a sense of mild euphoria or calm during your appointment. It’s fast-acting, and the effects go away almost immediately once we turn off the gas at the end of your procedure. Most people are able to drive home and go about their day.
• Oral sedation. If you’d prefer a slightly deeper form of sedation, we offer oral sedation, which comes in the form of a pill. You’ll simply take it before your appointment, and you’ll feel sleepy but relaxed by the time the work begins.
• IV sedation. With IV sedation, you’ll be on the edge of consciousness, feeling as though you’re in a dream. Because it’s administered intravenously, we’re able to closely monitor your vital signs and level of sedation to keep you comfortable.
• General anesthesia. This is the deepest form of dental sedation available, usually reserved for extensive procedures. You’ll be completely asleep under the influence of general anesthesia. After the procedure is over, it’ll likely take you several hours to feel normal again.

In addition to sedation dentistry, our team goes the extra mile to make you more comfortable during your appointment.

Whether you need a pillow to support your neck, a warm blanket to shield you from the air conditioning, soothing music, or a video to distract you, we can make it happen.

After The Procedure

When Dr. Wilhelm is finished placing your implants, you’ll head home with the help of a trusted friend or family member (if you opt for oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, since the effect of these sedatives can last a few hours beyond your appointment). You may experience some soreness over the next couple days, but this discomfort can be alleviated with the help of over-the-counter pain relievers.

In the weeks following your procedure, your jaw bone will actually heal around the dental implant, similar to the way it would hold a natural tooth root in place. This is what allows dental implants to be so life-like and reliable.

We may see you a couple times during the healing process. And when the area has completely healed, we’ll move forward and restore the visible portion of your missing tooth or teeth. Our office is proud to provide patients with durable dental restorations that look convincingly like real teeth!

When all is said and done, you’ll be able to walk out of our office with a beautiful new smile. You won’t be able to help but show it off.

If you’re ready to restore your smile and your confidence with dental implants, give us a call at (651) 319-9064 to schedule a consultation. You can also fill out our online form to request an appointment.