Do Dental Implants Hurt?
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
A missing tooth could not only impact your confidence in your smile; it can impact your overall oral health. For example, a missing tooth can result in other teeth moving out of line, leading to jaw problems and an increased chance of gum disease.
For a long-term solution, some people opt for dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implant surgery can be a complex procedure, but your dental surgeon will use local anesthesia, so it shouldn’t hurt. You might sometimes feel pressure on your gums, but with numbed nerves, pain is unlikely. However, oral sedation can be an option if you experience anxiety due to dental procedures.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements designed to improve the function and appearance of your teeth. Implants involve surgery and healing, and the procedure will typically take multiple visits.
Once your specialist completes the surgery, you’ll have a crown affixed to the top of your implant that can last up to 20 years. The implant itself, however, is permanently fixed to your jaw and acts as an artificial tooth root.
Because implants are anchored directly into your jawbone, they are very stable and secure. Traditional bridges or dentures are attached to the surrounding teeth and could shift around in your mouth while you talk or eat.
Who Are Dental Implants For?
Dental implants can be an excellent permanent solution if you have a missing tooth for any reason, whether by injury or decay. Implants have a very high success rate, over 97% for 10 years, and can help preserve jaw bone structure because it fuses with the bone over time.
Only some people are candidates for dental implants, however. You might be suitable for the procedure if you:
Have healthy gums
Are in overall good health
Have enough bone in your jaw to support the implant.
Chewing puts enormous pressure on your bone, and if your jawbone is too soft or isn’t thick enough, it won’t be able to hold the implant. Depending on your bone’s condition, it may be possible to have a bone graft to strengthen your jaw.
The Process of Getting Dental Implants
Getting dental implants can be a long process, taking several months from start to finish. Typically your dentist will begin by taking x-rays of your head, jaw, and teeth. This examination helps them decide whether you’re suitable for dental implants.
If you and your dentist decide dental implants are the way to go, you’ll have your first surgery. Your specialist will place the implant beneath the gum tissue, directly into your jawbone. The tissue is then stitched together and allowed to heal. This healing process can take several months, during which the implant will bond to your bones and attach to your gums.
Once your gum tissue has healed, your dentist can attach a post to the implant called an abutment. An abutment is the connection point between the replacement tooth (crown) to the implant itself.
In some cases, your dentist could do the first two stages of implant surgery at the same time, reducing the overall time commitment of dental implant surgery.
Your replacement tooth will be custom-made to fit seamlessly into the rest of your smile. Once it’s made, your dentist will attach it to the abutment and, over several appointments, ensure it properly fits in with your teeth.
If you have several missing teeth in need of replacement, a dental implant can also be used to support a bridge or dentures. In this case, you’ll have 2 implants, 1 on each side of the bridge, to hold the row of teeth firmly in place.
Throughout all these surgeries, you’ll receive local anesthesia, which should make the procedure relatively painless. However, you might experience some pressure on your jaw during the surgery.
After Surgery Care
After you have your dental implants, you might experience some discomfort typical of dental surgery, including:
Pain around the implant
Bruising
Swelling
Minor bleeding
Your dentist might suggest pain medication, but if you notice these symptoms are getting worse in the days after surgery, contact your dentist. You may also need to eat soft foods while you wait for the gum tissue to heal.
Your replacement tooth should sit naturally with your other teeth. It fills in unwanted gaps while also ensuring your teeth don’t grow into each other’s spaces. Replacement teeth have the same function as natural teeth, so they need to be cared for with regular cleaning and prevention.
Keep your implants clean with regular brushing and floss. Your dentist should take you through the proper procedures to keep your implants clean, and regular checkups will allow them to make sure there aren’t any problems with your implant. Though it’s rare, it is possible for the implant to fail to fuse with your bone.
Your Smile Matters
Surgery can be an intimidating word for many patients, but Shine Dental is here to walk you through the process. A dental implant can give you the smile you want with a replacement that fits so neatly with your other teeth—you may even forget it’s there.
If you’re ready for a long-term solution to your missing teeth, contact our team and find out if dental implants are right for you.