Dental implants are considered the best way to replace missing teeth currently available because they look and function exactly like real teeth. This allows patients to speak and chew without fear of their teeth moving out of place, allowing them to eat whatever they like and speak normally and confidently. Since they are placed with surgery, you may wonder how much discomfort you can expect during the procedure. Here’s why you can expect receiving dental implants to be a comfortable experience and how you can manage any temporary discomfort while recovering.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
Dental implants are made of a titanium post surgically placed within the jawbone, an abutment piece attached to it above the gumline, and a lifelike dental crown anchored on top, creating a lifelike restoration that will go unnoticed by casual observers. Dental implant placement surgery can be split into three phases:
- Phase 1: Your oral surgeon will treat your mouth with a local anesthetic and will not proceed until the area is completely numb. This ensures that the surgery is painless.
- Phase 2: The empty space in your smile is prepared to receive the implant. The way the titanium post will be inserted is based on detailed data acquired through X-rays and other methods.
- Phase 3: The post is placed and secured within the jawbone and a cap is placed on top to protect it as it heals over the coming months. You may also need a few stitches to help your gums heal.
While you can expect to feel pressure at times during the process, you should feel no pain. If you need extra help sitting comfortably through the procedure, you may receive dental sedation treatments.
How Can I Stay Comfortable During the Recovery Period?
You may experience some soreness in the surgical area in the days after receiving dental implants, but this can be addressed with over-the-counter pain relievers. While many patients return to their daily activities the day after receiving implants, it’s best to avoid hard foods for a while and treat the swelling with an ice pack or cold compress. It can take about four months for your implant to fuse with the surrounding bone structure, and a lifelike dental crown will be placed on top of it once this is complete.
Don’t let concerns about pain keep you from a beautifully and functionally restored smile. Dental implants involve minimal discomfort and deliver maximum results.
About the Author
Dr. Malcolm J. Murray earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery and his AEGD certification at Virginia Commonwealth University-Medical College of Virginia and is certified in CEREC CAD/CAM dentistry, straight wire orthodontics, and Invisalign. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the National Dental Association. His office in Fairfax, VA offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implants. To schedule a dental implant consultation, contact his office online or dial (703) 934-5540.
