If you have missing teeth, the dental implant procedure is one of the most reliable and long-lasting options to restore your mouth’s appearance and functionality. Before the surgery, you may worry about the pain and how long it will last.
This surgery involves inserting an artificial tooth in the form of a titanium post into the jawbone, so you may feel some discomfort. But you will be under local anesthesia and shouldn’t feel pain during the surgery itself.
What Is Involved in Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implants are recommended to replace a missing tooth if it has been lost or had to be extracted. If necessary, before the implant is placed, the area is prepared with a bone graft to encourage the production of new bone to strengthen the jawbone and ensure the implant integrates with it.
For the surgery, the periodontist drills a hole into the jawbone and places a titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root.[1] The post takes time to integrate with the jawbone, which takes several months. When this process is complete, the abutment, which is a component to attach the natural-looking dental crown, is placed. Allowing the proper healing process is essential for a stable and healthy implant.
In some cases, a smaller surgery is necessary to place the abutment. This is minor and only involves the gum, which may include some bleeding and swelling. While there may be some discomfort after this procedure, it’s typically less painful than the surgery to implant the titanium post.
How Painful Is Dental Implant Surgery?
Inserting a dental implant is a surgical procedure that interrupts the gums and jawbone in that small area. While you won’t feel pain during the surgery since the implant site is numbed, you may feel some pain or discomfort after the numbing agent wears off.
Usually, patients receive pain medication to manage post-surgery discomfort. It may be mild enough that you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Your periodontist will advise you about your options and aftercare instructions.
Overall, a single implant causes less pain or discomfort than multiple implants. The discomfort may last for a few days resolve after ten days at the most.[1] If it persists, it’s important to contact your periodontist. Prolonged pain could indicate infection at the implant site, leading to implant rejection.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Though the dental implant procedure can include some discomfort or pain, most patients are happy they underwent the process. Dental implants come with many benefits, including:
- Preventing jawbone degradation that comes with tooth loss.
- Improving the appearance of the smile and the functionality of the teeth.
- More stable and natural-looking tooth replacement than dentures.
- Normal function and biting as you would with a natural tooth.
With proper hygiene, dental implants can last a lifetime. Overall, the success rate is 95 to 98%, so it’s rare to have an implant procedure fail.
Dental Implants at Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester
Are you interested in the dental implant procedure to replace missing teeth and restore your smile? Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester offers a full array of dental implant solutions and periodontal surgeries with a caring team focusing on individualized care. Contact us today to schedule your appointment! 585-685-2005
Sources:
[1] https://www.medicinenet.com/how_painful_are_dental_implants/article.htm
