“Will it hurt?” is perhaps the most common question we hear at The Briars Dental Centre, and it’s completely understandable. Dental anxiety affects millions of people, often stemming from past experiences or fear of the unknown. The good news is that modern dentistry has transformed dramatically, making procedures far more comfortable than ever before.
At The Briars, we believe that your smile means everything to us, which includes ensuring your complete comfort throughout every treatment. Our advanced pain management techniques, combined with our patient-centred approach, means that the question “will it hurt?” can be answered with a reassuring “no.”
Today’s dental technology and anaesthetic methods bear little resemblance to procedures from even a decade ago. We’ve invested heavily in equipment and training that prioritises patient comfort whilst delivering exceptional clinical outcomes.
Many patients are surprised to learn that dental implant surgery typically causes less discomfort than a tooth extraction. The jawbone contains fewer nerve endings than tooth roots, which explains why implant placement is often more comfortable than many expect.
During the procedure, local anaesthetic ensures you feel no pain, though you may experience slight pressure or vibration. Most patients describe the sensation as less uncomfortable than having a filling. Our precise digital planning using CBCT technology ensures minimal tissue disruption, contributing to a smoother experience and faster healing.
Post-operatively, mild to moderate discomfort for two to three days is normal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Swelling typically peaks at 48 hours before gradually subsiding. The majority of our patients return to work the following day, often remarking that their recovery was smoother than anticipated.
“I was terrified about getting implants, constantly asking ‘will it hurt?’ Dr French explained everything thoroughly, and honestly, it was much easier than I anticipated. The recovery was smoother than when I had my wisdom teeth removed years ago.”
Root canal treatment has an unfair reputation for being painful, largely based on outdated experiences. The truth is that pain comes from the infected tooth itself, not the treatment designed to relieve it. Modern root canal therapy actually eliminates the source of your discomfort.
At The Briars, our specialist endodontist Richard Condon uses microscopic precision and advanced rotary instruments that work faster and more efficiently than traditional methods. Digital imaging ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, whilst sophisticated anaesthetic techniques guarantee complete numbness before we begin.
The procedure itself involves no pain, and most patients experience immediate relief from the throbbing toothache that brought them to us. Any post-treatment tenderness is typically mild and resolves within one to two days. The transformation from severe toothache to comfortable function often surprises patients who’ve been dreading the appointment.
If you’ve experienced a painful extraction previously, your concern about future procedures is entirely valid. Several factors may have contributed to your earlier discomfort, including inadequate anaesthesia due to infection, complex extraction requirements, or different pain management approaches.
At The Briars, we’ve refined our extraction techniques to maximise comfort through comprehensive pre-treatment assessment using digital X-rays and addressing any infection before extraction when possible. During the procedure, we employ multiple anaesthetic techniques and gentle tissue handling with modern instruments whilst constantly monitoring your comfort levels.
For complex cases, we section difficult teeth to reduce the force required and perform bone contouring when necessary to promote easier healing. When planning future implants, immediate socket preservation techniques further enhance your recovery experience.
Our detailed post-operative care instructions, combined with accessible follow-up support, ensure you feel confident and comfortable throughout your healing process.
Fear of anaesthetic injections often causes more anxiety than the dental procedure itself. This concern is understandable, but modern injection techniques have transformed this aspect of dental care significantly.
We begin by applying topical anaesthetic for several minutes, which completely numbs the surface tissue and makes the initial needle insertion virtually painless. Using the finest needles available and warming the anaesthetic solution to body temperature, we inject at the slowest possible speed to minimise discomfort.
Our gradual numbing process involves multiple small injections rather than one large dose, with each subsequent injection becoming increasingly comfortable as the area becomes numb. For patients with severe injection anxiety, we offer acupuncture, detailed explanations of each step, breathing techniques for relaxation, and various sedation options when appropriate.
Our patient-centred approach extends far beyond pain management to encompass your entire treatment experience. Advanced technology plays a crucial role in comfort enhancement, with digital scanning eliminating uncomfortable impression materials and 3D imaging reducing the need for multiple X-rays.
We personalise pain management based on your medical history, previous dental experiences, anxiety levels, and specific procedure requirements. This individualised approach means we can offer various anaesthetic options, appropriate sedation levels, pre-medication when beneficial, and tailored post-operative pain management plans. So the question ‘will it hurt?’ will become a question of the past.
Our multidisciplinary team brings specialist expertise in pain management and complex procedures, supported by regular training in the latest comfort techniques. The combination of clinical excellence and genuine empathy creates an environment where patients feel truly cared for rather than simply treated.
Dental anxiety is incredibly common, and we take these concerns seriously whilst working with you to overcome them. Many fears diminish when you understand what’s happening, so we encourage questions and provide comprehensive information to help you feel prepared and confident.
Our communication approach includes detailed pre-procedure explanations, signal systems allowing you to pause treatment if needed, and regular comfort checks during longer procedures. The clinical environment itself supports relaxation through our calming atmosphere, comfortable facilities, and understanding staff who recognise that every patient’s needs are different.
For patients requiring additional support, we offer conscious sedation with nitrous oxide, IV sedation for complex procedures, oral sedation for moderate anxiety, and general anaesthetic for extensive treatment plans. These options ensure that even the most anxious patients can receive the care they need comfortably.
Understanding post-treatment expectations helps address concerns about whether procedures “will it hurt” and prepares you for optimal recovery. Immediately following treatment, some numbness lasting two to four hours is normal, with mild discomfort possible as anaesthetic wears off.
Recovery typically involves gradual reduction in any discomfort over the following week, with most normal activities resuming quickly. We provide clear guidelines distinguishing between normal healing experiences and situations requiring immediate attention, ensuring you feel confident managing your recovery.
Mild to moderate discomfort, some procedure-specific swelling, slight bleeding after extractions, and temporary temperature sensitivity all fall within normal expectations. However, we encourage immediate contact for severe or increasing pain, excessive bleeding, signs of infection, or numbness persisting beyond expected timeframes.
At The Briars Dental Centre, we understand that asking “will it hurt?” represents deeper concerns about trust, safety, and care. Our commitment encompasses technical excellence, genuine empathy, and comprehensive understanding of patient needs.
Having served the Newbury community for over 110 years, we’ve built our reputation on combining advanced clinical capabilities with exceptional patient care. Our state-of-the-art facilities, specialist expertise, and patient-centred philosophy ensure that modern dental treatment can be comfortable, effective, and stress-free.
If dental anxiety has prevented you from seeking necessary care, we encourage you to book a consultation where we can discuss your specific concerns, explain our comfort management techniques, create a personalised treatment plan, and build confidence through education and understanding.
Remember, the question “will it hurt?” can now be answered with genuine confidence. We possess the tools, techniques, and commitment necessary to ensure your comfort throughout your dental journey, allowing you to achieve optimal oral health without anxiety or distress.
Ready to experience comfortable, pain-free dental care? Contact The Briars Dental Centre today to discuss your concerns and discover how we can help you achieve your dental goals without anxiety or discomfort.
Located in the heart of Newbury, Berkshire, The Briars Dental Centre combines over a century of trusted service with cutting-edge technology and compassionate care.
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