When you are missing one or more teeth, it can be difficult to complete all of the tasks that you once found easy. This includes things like chewing your food thoroughly, speaking clearly, and smiling without feeling self-conscious about your appearance. Fortunately, dental implants can improve all of these areas of your life. However, you may be asking yourself: does getting dental implants hurt? Continue reading to learn more about the procedure and what you can expect.
What Does Dental Implant Surgery Look Like?
Dental implants are usually made from titanium. They look just like little screws. During your procedure, your new implants will be placed directly into your jawbone to act as your new tooth roots. Here are the steps that will occur:
- The surgical site is numbed with a local anesthetic. Sedation options are also often available to make the procedure more comfortable.
- An incision is created in the gums so the dental implant can be inserted into the jawbone. This is carefully planned ahead of time, so the procedure is predictable and more likely to be successful.
- After the dental implant is inserted and secured, the gums are closed. Then, a protective cap is placed over the end of the implant to keep it safe over the next few months as the area heals.
How Will Your Dental Implants Feel After Surgery?
Because the area is numbed with anesthesia during your procedure, you won’t be able to feel a thing during the procedure. After your dental implant surgery, you are likely to experience some swelling and soreness for a couple of days. This can be managed with over-the-counter and prescribed pain relievers. Peak discomfort usually happens somewhere between three to five days after your surgery, then it will subside. You won’t actually be able to feel the implants themselves in your jawbone, as it doesn’t have very many nerve endings.
What Do Dental Implants Feel Like After They’ve Healed
After your dental implants have completely fused with your jawbone, they will pretty much feel just like your natural teeth. The bone will become a stable foundation for your new teeth, and you might even forget that it isn’t your natural tooth!
Other tooth replacement options, like dentures and dental bridges, are great for some, but they don’t offer the same comfort, stability, or longevity as dental implants. One of the great benefits they offer is the fact that they can help patients regain up to 90% of their natural bite force. This is something that no other tooth replacement option can achieve!
Some soreness is to be expected after your dental implant surgery, but you shouldn’t feel a thing during your procedure. By closely following the instructions of your dentist, you will be showing off your new and complete smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has been in private practice since 1996. Through her involvement in numerous professional organizations, she stays up to date with the numerous developments that modern dentistry has to offer. In addition to the Las Vegas Institute, Dr. Rose regularly attends clinical seminars through the International Association of Comprehensive Aesthetics as well as the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. For more information on dental implants, or to schedule a consultation at her office in Melbourne, visit her website or call (321) 259-4666.