At first, replacing your tooth with a false, implanted one may sound like a great idea. Then, if you start to think a little more, you may realize you have some concerns about dental implants and the implant procedure. As with any surgery, it is understandable that you're a bit worried and cautious. However, you should know that dental implants are safer and less problematic than most people realize. Take a look at some common concerns and information that will ease them. 

Concern: Your dentist will tell you that you're not a candidate for implants.

If you have not even had a consultation for implants yet, this may be your biggest worry. And there are some patients who are not good candidates for implants — but they are few and far between. There have been a lot of advancements in dental surgery in the past several decades that have made implants an option for those who would have not been candidates in the 1990s. If you don't have a lot of jaw bone, a surgeon can do a bone graft, making implants more feasible. Diabetics were often turned down for implants in the past, but now most dentists are happy to work on diabetic patients whose blood sugar is well controlled. The chances you won't be a candidate for implants are pretty slim.

Concern: The surgery will hurt or be scary.

Implant surgery would hurt if it weren't for excellent anesthetics. Most dentists do not use general anesthesia for implant surgery, but they do use very strong local anesthetics that will make sure your mouth is entirely numb for the procedure. If you've had dental work done under local anesthetic in the past and found it stressful, then ask your dentist for a sedative. They can use either laughing gas or an IV sedative to keep you so calm and relaxed during the procedure so that you don't have a care in the world.

Concern: The recovery will be painful, and you won't be able to eat for a long time.

Fears regarding recovery keep a lot of patients from seeking implants. Surely, there will be some discomfort after your implant surgery, but it won't be as bad as if you were to have a tooth extracted. As long as you take pain relievers, the pain should be bearable, and you should be able to return to work within a day or two. As for eating, you can start consuming soft foods almost immediately, and as long as you don't chew on the area where your implant is, you can eat all but the crunchiest foods within a week or two.

If you have other concerns about tooth implants, reach out to your dentist or dental surgeon. They can give you more information about this very helpful, not-so-scary procedure.