Is it true that dental needles are really big and painful?
There is some truth to that concern, to be honest with you. However, with proper technique and experience, receiving local anesthesia should not be painful. Previous dental experiences can certainly contribute to anxiety about needles, but it doesn't have to be that way.
Many of our patients tell us they barely felt the needle or didn't even realize the anesthetic had already been given. When local anesthesia is administered slowly and carefully, the injection should involve only minimal discomfort and should be the only part of your dental visit that you notice.
Are dental implant screws really that large?
Dental implant screws come in many different diameters and lengths. The size we choose depends entirely on your individual situation and the amount of available bone.
Some implants are relatively small, measuring around 6 mm in length and approximately 5 mm in diameter. Others may be 12 mm or even 14 mm long. Every case is unique, so the appropriate implant size is prescribed specifically for each patient.
In reality, dental implants are generally no longer than the natural tooth root they replace. In many cases, they're actually shorter than the original tooth root.
Does getting local anesthesia always hurt?
No, it doesn't. Anxiety and anticipation can make even a small pinprick seem more noticeable, but before administering local anesthesia, we typically apply a topical numbing gel to minimize any discomfort.
With proper technique, the initial pinprick should be very mild, and many patients hardly notice it at all.
Will I have to keep my mouth open the entire time?
That's a great question. No, you don't have to hold your mouth open throughout the entire procedure.
For longer appointments, we often place a small bite block between your teeth. This device gently supports your mouth in an open position so you can relax your jaw muscles instead of holding your mouth open yourself. Once the procedure is complete, we simply remove the bite block.
If your mouth needs to remain open for an extended period, such as one, two, or even three hours, it's still possible to experience some temporary soreness in your jaw joints and muscles afterward. In these situations, I may recommend an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, if it's appropriate for your age and medical history. Taking medication for a day or two after treatment is often enough to relieve this temporary discomfort.
For shorter procedures lasting around 30 to 40 minutes, jaw soreness is generally not a concern.
Is dental treatment always painful?
No. Pain is very subjective, and everyone experiences it differently, but modern dental treatment does not have to be painful.
Dental procedures are performed under local anesthesia. Aside from the initial numbing injection, the treatment itself should be comfortable. If you're feeling pain during a procedure, something needs to be addressed. Our goal is for you to remain completely comfortable throughout your treatment.
If nothing hurts, does that mean everything is healthy?
No, not necessarily. Sometimes everything is perfectly healthy, but many dental conditions are considered "silent diseases" because they often develop without causing pain.
Gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, is one of the most common examples. Your gums can be inflamed and unhealthy without causing any discomfort.
Another example is a tooth that once caused severe pain. If the nerve inside the tooth dies, the pain may disappear even though the infection is still present. That infection can continue progressing beneath the tooth and into the surrounding bone if it isn't treated.
For that reason, the absence of pain doesn't always mean there's no problem. The best way to know your teeth and gums are healthy is through a comprehensive dental examination. If everything looks healthy, that's wonderful. If we find a problem early, we can usually treat it before it becomes painful or more serious.
Your dental health matters to us, and we're here to support you every step of the way. If you're looking for expert dental care near Rochester, NY, call (585) 522-1922 or email rocprostho@gmail.com to learn more. Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment below.