Missing teeth can be a real drag. Not only do they make it hard to eat and speak properly, but they can also lead to self-consciousness and other health problems. If you’re missing any teeth, dental implants may be the right solution for you.
Dental implants are ideal as replacement teeth. They are durable and look like natural teeth, meaning you can smile confidently. Plus, because they’re made of titanium, they are strong and durable, lasting many years with proper care.
If you’re considering dental implant surgery, you’re probably wondering if it will hurt. Here, we’ll discuss what causes dental implant pain and provide tips for minimising discomfort. Keep reading to learn more!
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
One of the biggest questions for patients considering dental implants is whether they will hurt. The good news is that most people don’t find the surgery very painful.
Dental implant surgery is usually pretty straightforward. The first step is placing the implant, a titanium screw, into the jaw bone. This part of the surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. You may feel some pressure, but there shouldn’t be any pain.
After the implant is placed, you’ll need to wait for it to heal before getting your artificial teeth. This can take several weeks or even months. You may experience mild discomfort as your jawbone heals around the implant, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Once your dental implant has healed, you’ll need to come back for the abutment placement, a connector piece that will join the artificial teeth to the implant. This procedure requires cutting through the gums to expose the implant underneath, so local anaesthesia will still be used to prevent you from feeling any pain.
After your dental implant surgery, it’s important to take good care of your dental implants to make them last. This includes brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
There may be some discomfort and soreness after the surgery, which can usually be managed with pain medication.
Dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth. If you’re anxious about surgery, talk to your dentist about what to expect so you can feel better prepared. With proper care, the risk of any significant pain or discomfort is shallow.
What Are the Causes of Dental Implant Pain?
Dental anxiety is understandable. After all, dental implant surgery is a dental procedure that comes with a fair amount of discomfort. The pain level you experience after dental implant surgery will vary depending on your pain tolerance and how well you take care of your dental implants after surgery.
Many different factors can contribute to tooth implant pain, including:
- Improper dental implant placement:
If the dental implants are not placed properly, it can cause them to rub against the gum tissue or irritate the nerves. This can lead to severe pain and discomfort. - Infection:
If an infection is present during dental implant surgery, it can cause extreme pain. Infections can also delay healing and increase the risk of complications. - Nerve damage:
If the dental implants damage the nerves during dental implant surgery, it can cause severe pain. This nerve damage can also result in numbness or tingling in the gums and teeth. - Poor oral hygiene:
Poor oral hygiene can lead to infections, which can then cause dental implant pain. Brushing and floss regularly and seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings is important. - Allergic reactions:
Some people may be allergic to titanium, often used in dental implants. This can cause inflammation, swelling, redness, itching, and pain at the implant site. - Damage to adjacent teeth:
If the dental implants are not placed properly, they can damage nearby teeth. This can cause pain, tooth loss, and other problems.
In most cases, dental implant pain can be controlled with medication and proper dental care. However, if the pain is severe or persists for more than a few days, it is important to see a dentist or oral surgeon for further evaluation.
How Can Dental Implant Pain Be Minimised?
If you’re feeling pain after getting tooth implants, there are things you can do to minimise dental implant pain and make the recovery process as smooth as possible. Here are some tips:
- Take pain medication as directed. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort you may be feeling. Be sure to take it as directed.
- Apply ice packs or cold compress to reduce swelling or bruising around the surgical site and jaw stiffness.
- Avoid eating hot foods and hard or crunchy foods. Stick to soft foods for the first few days after oral surgery. After that, you can gradually add harder items back into your diet. Just cut them into small pieces so you don’t put too much pressure on the dental implants.
- Keep your mouth clean. Gently brush your teeth and tongue, and floss around the dental implants. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria. This will help prevent infection and promote healing.
- See your dentist regularly for follow-up appointments. It’s important to check your dental implants periodically so your dentist can check if they’re still in place and functioning properly.
- Follow all post-operative instructions and ask your dentist when you can resume your daily activities. Contact your dental professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Following these tips can minimise dental implant pain and make a recovery more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Dental implant surgery is a procedure many people undergo to improve the look of their smile. Dental implants are very natural looking and can last for many years. They can also help preserve your jawbone density and prevent further tooth loss.
However, being a surgical procedure, dental implant treatment can cause pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to minimise dental implant pain and make the experience less painful and more comfortable.
If you’re considering dental implants, book an appointment with Clear Choice Dental today. Our team of experts will help you through every step of the process so you can have a positive experience with your chosen treatment option. We look forward to helping you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implant surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, so you won’t have to stay in the hospital overnight. The surgical procedure only takes a few hours, but it can take several months for the implant to fuse completely with the bone. In the meantime, you’ll need to take care of the implant site and your implant to facilitate the healing process and have a successful outcome.
Most dental implant treatment takes anywhere from three to six months, but in some cases, it can take up to a year. Additional procedures such as bone grafts, sinus lifts, gum disease treatment, and tooth extraction will lengthen treatment time.
The average cost of dental implants is \$5,000-\$7,000. However, several factors can affect the cost of dental implants, including:
- The number of dental implants needed:
The more dental implants you need, the higher the overall cost will be. - The type of dental implant:
There are different types of dental implants available, and some types are more expensive than others. - The location of the dental implant:
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on where they are placed in the mouth. - The complexity of the dental implant surgery:
If the dental implant surgery is complex, it will likely cost more than if it is simple. - Your insurance coverage:
Some insurance plans cover dental implants, while others do not. The cost will increase if your insurance plan does not cover dental implants.
These are just a few factors that can influence the cost of dental implants. When considering dental implants, discuss these factors with your dentist to get an accurate estimate of what you can expect to pay.
There are many benefits of dental implants, which include the following:
- Improved oral health
- Increased confidence
- Improved chewing ability
- Improved speech
- Increased comfort
- High success rates
- Convenience
- Preserves jawbone density and facial structure
- Prevents bone loss
Dental implants are quickly becoming the preferred option for tooth replacement, and it’s easy to see why. If you are considering dental implants, discuss the benefits with your dentist to decide if they are right for you.
The following people are considered good candidates for a dental implant procedure:
- Those who are missing one or more teeth due to injury, periodontal disease, or tooth decay
- Those who have sufficient bone density in their jaw to support the implant
- Those who do not have any health conditions that will impede healing
- Those who are willing to commit to a lengthy treatment process
