Do Dental Implants Hurt?

Dental implant surgery is a reliable, long-lasting method for replacing missing teeth, but it typically causes some pain due to the insertion of an artificial tooth root into the jawbone. Patients often worry about the pain level and its duration post-surgery.

What is involved in dental implant surgery?

To understand the pain of the implant process, it's important to know that after a natural tooth is removed, a bone graft is often used to prepare the area. This graft encourages new bone growth, strengthening the jawbone and aiding in proper implant integration.

During dental implant surgery, a dental professional drills a hole into the jawbone to insert a metal post, which serves as an artificial tooth root. It's crucial to allow time for osseointegration, where the bone in the patient's jaw grows around the post. Although this process can take several months, it is vital for ensuring a healthy and stable implant. The abutment, which connects to the dental crown, is typically not attached to the post until osseointegration is complete.

Occasionally, the dentist may need to perform a minor surgery to place the abutment. This procedure involves only the gums and may cause some bleeding and swelling. However, the discomfort from placing the abutment is generally less intense than the pain experienced after inserting the metal post.

How painful is the implant surgery?

Dental implant surgery involves trauma to the gums and jaw. There's no pain during the procedure due to numbing, but patients may feel pain afterward. Dentists often prescribe pain medication, though over-the-counter options may suffice for mild pain. Single implants usually cause less discomfort than multiple ones, with pain lasting up to 10 days. Persistent pain beyond this may indicate an infection, requiring immediate dental attention to preserve the implant.

Let's review the surgical phase of a dental implant in Simpsonville, SC:

• Step 1: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area completely.

• Step 2: A space is prepared in the gums and jawbone for the titanium post using 3D computerized planning for precise placement.

• Step 3: The post is inserted and secured, with a cap placed on top for protection during healing, and stitches may be used to aid gum healing.

Step one involves numbing with local anesthesia to ensure no pain during the dental implant procedure, addressing concerns about discomfort. While you may feel pressure, it shouldn't be uncomfortable. Oral sedation is available for anxious patients.

Am I suitable for dental implants?

If you are missing one or more teeth, you might be a good candidate for dental implants. However, you may need additional steps before the surgery.

Why?

When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone deteriorates. Successful dental implants require enough bone to support the post. If your tooth has been missing for a while, you may lack sufficient bone.

If we extract your tooth, we can restore your bone with a bone graft, using grafting material to build enough structure for an implant.

The best part is that this entire procedure can often be done under one roof. Our dental implant dentists are trained to prep, place, and restore your smile with dental implants.

How long is the dental implants recovery?

Most patients find dental implant surgery simpler and easier than a tooth extraction. You can typically resume work or daily activities the next day. For soreness, take over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil, avoid hard foods, and use an ice pack for swelling.

Healing for the implant to fuse with the bone can take four or more months. Once healed, you will be ready for the next step: your crown restoration, which will look like a natural tooth and can be made in our office.

Conclusion

Dental patients may fear pain, but they shouldn't let this deter them from dental implant surgery. Implants offer a permanent tooth replacement and result in a beautifully restored smile.