Pasadena specialist says patients consistently surprised by how gentle modern implant surgery has become
The moment of truth comes at the end of dental implant surgery, when patients inevitably look at Dr. Rebecca Weightman with surprise and ask: “Oh, is that it?”
Their reaction captures a fundamental disconnect between patient expectations and modern reality for one of dentistry’s most transformative procedures.
While dental implant anxiety runs high, the actual experience frequently proves far gentler than anticipated.
“The process should be completely painless,” said Weightman, a highly regarded periodontist and owner of Foundation Dental Specialists in Pasadena.
“It’s not nearly what people are expecting when they come in to have an implant placed.”
Patient anxiety about dental implant pain consistently exceeds reality. After initial numbing—described as “a small pinch at the beginning”—most patients experience no sensation during the procedure itself.
“Any discomfort in the postoperative healing period is managed with ibuprofen and Tylenol,” Weightman explained. “If both of those are taken, usually patients don’t feel any discomfort.”
Properly executed dental implants can last a lifetime when quality placement, premium materials and diligent patient care work together.
“If it’s placed well, if you use quality materials and if the patient is taught to care for the implant properly and actually follows up with that, an implant can last a lifetime,” Weightman said.
Modern technology addresses bone concerns through state-of-the-art cone beam CT scanners that create detailed 3D images of patients’ jawbones. When bone proves inadequate, regeneration offers a solution. “If you don’t have the bone, we can grow it,” Weightman explained.
The practice uses grade four commercially pure titanium implants for proven biocompatibility and research-backed longevity. The complete process typically spans four to six months from consultation to final restoration.
Recovery proves remarkably straightforward. “Most patients don’t really feel like their life is too affected by the implant surgery itself,” Weightman observed. “Most will return to work or normal activities the next day.”
For more information about dental implant consultations, call Foundation Dental Specialists at (626) 796-5361 or visit foundationdentalspecialists.com. The practice is located at 747 Locust Street Suite 200, in Pasadena.
Foundation Dental Specialists, 747 Locust Street, Suite 200, Pasadena. For more call (626) 796-5361 or visit foundationdentalspecialists.com.
