Dental Implants: Do They Hurt?
Posted on 7/6/2022 by Neil Starr DDS PC |
If you’ve ever considered getting dental implants, it’s essential to understand what the procedure involves and the level of pain to expect.
Missing teeth can harm your oral health and alter the look of your smile. Traditionally, dentists used bridges or dentures to remedy missing teeth, but dental implants have become increasingly popular. Implants achieve the same solution, but the procedure involves surgery and healing. Keep reading to learn more about dental implants and what to expect.
Tooth Implant Procedure
Dental implants are a unique treatment for missing teeth that involves the surgical implantation of small titanium rods directly into your jawbone. As your bone fuses to these posts, they are gradually integrated into your jaw. They become solid and stable supports that will hold your implant restorations securely in place.
When you visit our office for an implant procedure, we will first develop an individualized treatment plan. What follows is the tooth root implant, as described above. Healing takes about 6 to 12 weeks as the jawbone grows around the implant.
Will Surgery Hurt?
Dental implant surgery has two parts: the operation itself and recovery. During surgery, we must cut into your gums to surgically place the implants. As you can imagine, this does sound painful, but we will first apply an anesthetic to minimize your discomfort. This numbing agent is very similar to what you would get before a cavity filling procedure. We will make sure that the area is entirely numb before making any incisions.
As we drill the rods into your jawbone, rest assured that no nerves cause you pain. The most discomfort you will feel is in the form of pressure. After we’re satisfied with the procedure, we will close up the incision with the anesthetic still in effect.
Healing After Surgery
For most people, the recovery from dental implant surgery isn’t nearly as painful as they expected it to be. While some pain is normal, it won’t typically last longer than two weeks. Many patients equate the pain to that of having a tooth pulled. Besides tenderness and bruising around your gums, here’s what else you can expect after surgery:
Minor swelling for 2 to 3 days
Minor bleeding
Discomfort around the cheeks, chin, and eyes
Remember that recovery and healing look different for everyone, but you should reach out if you experience excessive pain.
Visit Neil L. Starr, DDS, PC for Dental Implants
Now that you know what to expect with dental implants visit the professionals at Neil L. Starr, DDS, PC, to replace your lost teeth. We’re renowned for excellence in treating even the most complex dental conditions and are happy to serve you. We’re proud to offer a sterile dental office that focuses on sanitizing, wearing masks and gloves, using face shields, and more.
Our office is located in Washington D.C., and we serve the surrounding areas of Potomac, McLean, Rockville, Arlington City, and more! Contact us to schedule an appointment today! Our friendly receptionists are eager to take your call.
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