Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

When it comes to tooth loss, dental implants are the best replacement option out there. They are the only solution that replaces the roots of the missing teeth in addition to the chewing surfaces. This allows for all sorts of extra benefits, like additional stability, longevity, and comfort. To achieve this, getting dental implants requires a multi-step process including a surgical procedure. Because of this, many patients worry that their procedure will be painful. Continue reading to learn about the dental implant process and what you can expect.

What Does Dental Implant Surgery Look Like?

Dental implants are usually made from titanium, and they look like tiny screws. During your surgery, your implants are placed directly into the jawbone to act as your new tooth roots. Here are the steps that will occur at this time:

1. The surgical site is numbed with a local anesthetic. Dental sedation options are also available for additional comfort.
2. An incision is made in the gums so the dental implants can be inserted into the jawbone. This is carefully placed ahead of time, so the procedure is predictable and more likely to be successful.
3. 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 anesthesia 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 couple of days. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Peak discomfort usually happens somewhere between three to five days after your surgery, then it will subside. As for the dental implants themselves, you won’t be able to feel them. This is because the jawbone doesn’t have many nerve endings. Any soreness you feel is coming from the tissue surrounding the implants.

What Do Healed Dental Implants Feel Like?

After your dental implants have completely fused to the jawbone, they will feel pretty much just like your natural teeth. The bone will become a stable foundation, and you may even forget that they aren’t your natural teeth.

Other tooth replacement restorations, 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 most prominent benefits is that implants help patients regain more than 90% of their natural bite force – something no other tooth replacement option can achieve.

Some soreness is to be expected during the healing process, but you shouldn’t feel a thing during your surgery. By closely following the instructions of your dentist, you will be showing off your complete smile in just a matter of time!

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga is an experienced periodontist who has been working in the field for more than 15 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific in San Francisco. He specialized in Periodontics at the University of Southern California, attaining both his certificate in Periodontics and Master’s in Craniofacial Biology. Currently, he is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the Western Society of Periodontology. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation at his office in Huntington Beach, visit his website or call (714) 587-9094.