If you’re looking for the most reliable and long-lasting solution for your missing teeth, you’ve come to the right place! Meramec Family Dentistry offers dental implant surgery in Arnold, MO, to replace your missing teeth and restore your smile.
However, due to the invasive nature of surgeries, you might be wondering: Are dental implants painful? What does the procedure look like, and should I go for it? In this post, we answer the questions bothering you regarding dental implant surgery.
Now let’s get started!
Does dental implant surgery hurt?
Dental implant surgery is an intrusive and longest-lasting option for replacing missing teeth. The surgery procedure is more intrusive than dentures and bridges and requires more drilling than fillings. And since it involves inserting a false tooth root into the jawbone, it should come with some amount of pain.
But, thanks to anesthetics, you will feel no pain during dental implant surgery. Although the procedure may sound scary, a vast majority of patients say that it’s not really a thing to make a fuss about as the process is simple but is a bit long. You may experience some gum aches and discomfort the next day, but you can manage them with the medication that your dentist recommends.
What’s a dental implant procedure like?
A dental implant procedure involves using local anesthesia to numb the patient’s mouth. This allows dental professionals to access the gum line and the jawbone and place a metal post where they’ll attach and permanently fix the artificial teeth.
If you are feeling a little squeamish about the idea of getting a dental implant surgery, the good news is: the jaw rarely has nerve endings. And if your jaw has nerve endings, your dentist can reposition them to allow the completion of the surgery. However, you’ll most likely not require nerve repositioning as it is reserved for the rarest cases of dental implants in the lower jaw.
The surgery procedure is fairly quick and is often completed within an hour. However, the time required to complete the surgery depends on the number of implants you need.
Pain after a dental implant procedure
Due to the pressure, you may experience slight discomfort after the procedure once the anesthesia has worn off. Generally, multiple implants will cause more discomfort than a single tooth implant, but you can easily manage it with over-the-counter pain medication.
Avoiding pain and discomfort
Your dentist will recommend pain medication to help you manage any discomfort you may feel once the anesthesia and sedation have worn off. Your dentist will also provide a tailored aftercare plan to ensure your recovery and meet your needs. That means you’re more likely to have a pain-free recovery.
Healing and aftercare
Your recovery time depends on your overall health level and the number of implants you have, but most patients recover within ten days after the procedure.
You may feel pain for 7 to 10 days post-procedure, but it may resolve before ten days. You should visit your dentist immediately if you have excessive discomfort or pain that persists after ten days. Persistent pain may be a sign of an infection in the implant site. And if this is the case, your dentist will act quickly to save the implant.
Other ways to manage your recovery at home
- Place an ice pack on your outer cheek to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
- Gargle gently with warm saltwater. This will help repel any infectious bacteria, but it may sting slightly.
- Get plenty of rest to allow your body to recuperate faster.
- Avoid smoking and maintain good oral hygiene.
- Avoid hot food and foods that are hard to chew. Instead, go for pureed, soft, or cold foods. This is the time to enjoy your cold yogurt or smoothies.
- Follow your dentist’s prescription and instructions to care for the surgical site.
Should you consider going for dental implants?
No patient looks forward to any discomfort and pain. If you’ve been thinking of having dental implant surgery, you shouldn’t allow the fear of post-surgery discomfort to discourage you. The pain after the procedure is easy to manage, and once completed, it will leave you with a permanent and beautifully restored smile.
However, you should talk to your dental specialist before the procedure to learn about its benefits and other treatment options and their cost comparisons. If you have any further questions, please consult Dr. Azaryas Mandefro, who will happily answer any of your queries. You may also call Meramec Family Dentistry at (636) 333-3304 to ask about our services or request an appointment for dental implants in Arnold, MO.
