There are many reasons you might be considering getting a replacement tooth. Whether it’s facial trauma or injury, a tooth ravaged by cavities or decay, or even a misaligned or crooked tooth, it could be affecting your smile. And since your smile and facial appearance are important to your daily life and overall well being, we understand the desire to get a dental implant. This is great because a dental implant is an excellent way to restore a healthy smile and improve your overall oral health. But is the process of getting a dental implant painful? What should you expect from your surgery?
In this post, we’ll answer those questions and more. We’ll talk about the entire procedure of getting a dental implant, from start to finish. We’ll also discuss how much pain is involved and what to expect during the healing process.
What Is A Dental Implant?
It’s important to understand precisely what a dental implant is. It’s a fixture that installs into the jaw bone and provides a stable mounting point for crowns, bridges, or dentures. This mimics the function of a natural tooth root, integrating into the jawbone and providing a rock-solid bond. And it also allows the artificial tooth to look, feel and function just like a natural tooth.
Is A Dental Implant Painful? Surgery Explained
The first part of getting a dental implant is the surgery, as they need to be installed by a dentist. Of course, because it involves cutting into your gums and drilling into bone, you’d imagine it to be a painful experience. But your dentist’s goal is to make your surgery as painless as possible, so they inject the area with an anesthetic before they begin. This makes the area completely numb, so you feel nothing while the surgery is in progress. Even when the dentist is drilling into your jaw, all you feel is a little bit of pressure.
Once the appropriate hole is constructed, the dentist screws the implant into place. The whole process takes about an hour, and once the dentist verifies that the implant is securely installed, they stitch up the incision.
Healing After Dental Implant Surgery
After your surgery is complete, the healing process begins. Your anesthetic will eventually wear off, and this is the part that scares most people: will you feel pain after this happens?
As you’d imagine, you might experience some swelling, soreness, and tenderness in the area with any wound. Fortunately, the dentist will prescribe painkillers that will relieve any pain and inflammation as your jaw heals. In addition, they’ll have you follow certain instructions. These include avoiding hot foods and beverages, foods that require a lot of chewing, smoking, and alcohol. You’re also free to take over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol to alleviate pain.
Conclusion: Should You Get Dental Implants?
Pain should never be a concern if you’re considering getting dental implants. Modern dental techniques and painkillers allow for a relatively comfortable experience. That’s why it’s a good idea to focus on your health first. Contact a professional, reputable dentist if you’re considering getting a dental implant.
At Nimmi Shine Dental, we pride ourselves on being the epitome of excellence for dentistry in California. Our experienced team provides honest, gentle, and affordable care to all patients and takes special care to ensure their trust.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions about getting your dental implants and make the best recommendations for your individual needs. Feel free to call our dentist in San Diego at 858-999-8550 or our dentist in Temecula, CA, at 951-695-1027.
