Dental implants are a widely popular tooth replacement option. However, one of the most common questions is, “Do they hurt?” While dental implant surgery is not pain-free, luckily, there are ways to minimise discomfort and make the process as smooth as possible.
While some people may experience little to no pain during and after the procedure, others may have more significant discomfort. It all depends on your individual situation and how well you prepare for the procedure.
To help understand what kind of pain factors you could be facing with dental implants, let us take a closer look at this topic and get to know about the tooth implant pain factors.
What are dental implants, and how do they work
Tooth implants are a popular solution among dentists to replace missing teeth. They provide a strong and aesthetically pleasing replacement that uses a metal implant screwed securely into the jawbone as an anchor for attaching artificial teeth.
The jawbone grows around the screw, covering it in new bone and holding it firmly in place for long-term stability. Dental implants not only protect your oral health, preventing shifting of other teeth or difficulties with one’s bite and chewing, but they also improve aesthetic appeal, giving the individual natural-looking results that can last decades when properly maintained.
What to Anticipate During and After the Treatment
Dental implants provide a lasting, effective solution to replace missing teeth and are among the most sought-after methods of restoring smiles. However, many individuals are unaware of the pain factor during and after the procedure. While implants themselves do not typically hurt, many patients feel discomfort at the implant’s site as well as soreness associated with other aspects of the procedure.
Depending on the size of the implant being placed, most patients find that the local anaesthetic administered is sufficiently effective in reducing any pain they may feel while the implants are being put into place.
After treatment, some degree of discomfort around the implants and swelling may be present, but the mildest pain can be remedied with over-the-counter medicines.
How to manage pain during and after the dental implant procedure
Dental implants can be an efficient way to provide a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for missing teeth, but the healing process that follows the procedure can cause some discomfort.
After a dental implant is placed, it’s important to closely follow aftercare instructions given by your dentist in order to minimise pain and ensure a successful healing process. Immediately after the dental implant procedure, use an ice pack to help with swelling and pain relief.
Painkillers prescribed by your dentist should be taken as directed, and they may also suggest avoiding strenuous activities while healing as well. Eating soft foods after dental implants and avoiding hard or crunchy foods while the implant heals is especially important for ensuring proper healing of the site.
Be sure to check in regularly with your dentist during the healing period to make any necessary adjustments or check-ups, as well as discuss any questions or concerns regarding pain management. Following these steps will ensure that you have the best possible experience following your dental implant procedure.
Risks and Complications
Although dental implants can be an effective and beneficial dental procedure, they still come with risks and complications. The most common dental implant risks include infection at the implant site, damage to surrounding tissues or nerves, or the implant not integrating properly into the jaw bone.
In rare cases, a sinus lift may be necessary, which adds additional risks like prolonged bleeding and perforation of the sinus wall. As a result, dental professionals always ensure that each patient is aware of these associated dental implant risks before commencing treatment.
Careful evaluation of dental imaging prior to dental implant placement should also reveal any potential pre-existing nerve damage in order to avoid further damage during the dental procedure itself.
When should you consider seeing a dentist about an implant?
If dental implant pain persists for more than a few days or you’re experiencing any signs of dental complications, it’s strongly recommended to visit a dentist for an evaluation. Seeing a dental professional can help you decide if a dental implant is necessary and the best course of treatment plan to address your individual needs.
Depending on the severity of your dental problems, a dental implant may be recommended to replace single or multiple missing teeth, stabilise a loose denture, stop jawbone loss, and correct other dental imperfections. Consulting with your dentist will help determine whether dental implants are right for you.
Conclusion
Dental implants are a great choice for people who want to improve their smile and have gaps in their teeth. The procedure is relatively painless, and the results are long-lasting.
If you’re considering dental implants, we encourage you to contact Good Choice Dental on (02) 8203 8760 for a dental implant consultation. We’ll gladly answer any of your questions and assist you in making the best decision for your needs.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner
Sources
Will My Dental Implant Procedure Be Painful?
https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/dental-implant-pain
Dental implant surgery
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
Persistent pain after dental implant placement
https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)60300-7/fulltext
Assessment of pain associated with the surgical placement of dental implants
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17274712/
Dental implants
https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/endodontic-treatment-options/dental-implants/
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