Dental implants have allowed countless people to replace their missing teeth with beautiful and lifelike restorations that work just like the real thing, but many may be anxious about receiving them due to anxiety about whether the process will hurt. Thankfully, dental implant surgery is a painless procedure that can deliver an incredible range of remarkable benefits. Here’s how dental implants are placed and how you will be kept comfortable throughout the procedure.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a prosthetic device consisting of a titanium post with screw-like ridges along its length. These appliances are designed to be surgically placed in the jawbone, where they fuse with their surrounding bone tissue over several months through the natural process of osseointegration. This allows them to support lifelike dental restorations such as bridges, crowns, or dentures, and they give these devices the sturdy foundation they need to exert maximum chewing force and last decades with proper care.
Does Receiving a Dental Implant Hurt?
Before you can be scheduled for dental implant surgery, you’ll need to have a consultation with your dentist so they can make sure you can receive the treatment safely. When you are cleared for the treatment, you will be scheduled for a minor surgical procedure with a trusted oral surgeon. This process will always begin with the patient receiving an appropriate anesthetic to make sure they feel no pain, and you may also receive sedation if necessary to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Does Recovering After Receiving a Dental Implant Hurt?
While you should experience no pain while receiving a dental implant, you can expect some temporary discomfort for a few days afterward. However, this recovery period is usually quite mild, and many patients report that it is far more comfortable than what would be expected after a tooth extraction. You can keep your recovery process as smooth and stress-free as possible by adhering to your dentist’s aftercare instructions, which will probably include:
- Taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as instructed.
- Brushing and flossing normally while taking special care to be gentle around the new implant.
- Refraining from smoking, drinking through a straw, and consuming alcohol.
- Sticking to a diet of soft, mild foods that won’t irritate the healing implant site such as potatoes, avocados, pasta, soup, and bananas.
Dental implants may be the ideal way to rebuild your smile after tooth loss. After a brief consultation, your dentist will be able to determine the best method for restoring your appearance and oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Stephanie Flinchum earned her dental degree at the University of Kentucky and completed an Advanced General Dentistry Residency at Idaho State University. She stays abreast of the latest developments in her field through continuing education coursework and is certified in both Invisalign and laser dentistry. Her office in Tulsa offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as implant services. To book your consultation for dental implants, contact her office online or dial (918) 949-4450.