Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

Are you missing teeth? One of the great things about living in today’s world is the fact that gaps in your smile can be a thing of the past. You no longer need to settle for missing teeth. There are several different tooth replacement options out there, including dental implants, but what does the surgical procedure look like? Will it be painful? An implant dentist explains what you can expect when it comes to dental implant surgery.

How Does Dental Implant Surgery Work?

Dental implants are generally made from titanium and they look like little screws. During the procedure, your implants are placed directly into the jawbone in order to replace the roots of your missing teeth. Here is what you can typically expect:

• The surgical site in your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic. A general anesthetic may be used as well depending on your dental provider.
• A place is created in your gums and jawbone for the implant to be placed. This is carefully planned beforehand so that the procedure is predictable and more likely to be a success.
• The implant will be inserted and secured. A cap will be placed on top to keep it safe while the area heals for the next few months.

How Will the Implants Feel After Surgery?

Because the area is numbed with anesthesia during the procedure, you will feel no pain while it is taking place. After you have your dental implant surgery, you are likely to feel some swelling and soreness for a few days. However, you won’t actually be able to feel the implants in your jawbone. This discomfort can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers and/or pain medication that has been prescribed to you by your dentist. Peak discomfort happens on the 3rd to 5th day before it usually begins to subside.

How Will Your Implants Feel After They Heal?

Once your dental implants have completely fused to the jawbone, they will feel pretty much the same as your natural teeth. The bone becomes a stable foundation for your new teeth, and you may even forget that they are any different from the rest.

Other tooth replacement options, like dentures, do not provide the same comfort or stability. Over time, they need to be relined, repaired, and replaced. One of the greatest benefits of dental implants is the fact that they help patients to regain up to 90% of their natural bite force. This is not something that can be achieved with dentures.

You may feel some soreness during the recover period, but when you get your dental implants placed, you won’t feel a thing. By taking it easy and following the instructions of your dentist, restoring your smile will be a breeze!