Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for all sorts of benefits that you can’t experience with dentures or dental bridges. However, many patients are hesitant to commit to treatment because they are worried that the surgical procedure will be painful. This begs the question: does it hurt to get dental implants? Here’s what you should know.
What to Expect for Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants are usually made from titanium, and they look like tiny screws. During your surgery, your dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone to act as your new tooth roots. Here are the steps that occur.
- The site is numbed with a local anesthetic. Dental sedation options are also available for additional comfort.
- An incision is made in the gums so the dental implants can be inserted into the jawbone. This is carefully planned ahead of time, so the surgery 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 dental implants to keep them safe over the next few months as the area heals.
How Do Dental Implants Feel After Surgery?
Since the area is numbed with a local anesthetic during your procedure, you won’t be able to feel anything. However, after your surgery, you are likely to experience some swelling and soreness for a few days afterward. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Peak discomfort usually happens somewhere between three to five days following your placement procedure. As for your dental implants, you shouldn’t be able to feel them. This is because the jawbone doesn’t have very many nerve endings. Any soreness that you feel comes from the tissue surrounding the implants.
What Do Dental Implants Feel Like After Healing?
After your dental implants have completely healed, they will feel pretty much just like your natural teeth. The bone is a stable foundation for your implants, so you may even forget that they aren’t your natural teeth.
Other tooth replacement options, like dentures and dental bridges, don’t offer the same comfort, stability, or longevity as dental implants. One of the greatest benefits of dental implants is that they help patients to regain more than 90% of their original, natural bite force – something other tooth replacement options can’t achieve.
Some soreness is to be expected during the healing process, but you shouldn’t feel any pain during your procedure. By closely following your dentist’s aftercare instructions, you will be enjoying the benefits of a complete smile in just a matter of time!
About the Practice
At Summerlin Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Pamela West, Dr. Stephanie Gorczyca, and Dr. Katie Gorczyca work together to treat patients in the Las Vegas area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (702) 844-6224.