Comfortable Care: Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

Are you seeking a beautiful, reliable solution to rebuild your smile after losing one or more permanent teeth? If so, you might be a good candidate for dental implants. Unlike dentures and bridges, these replacement teeth are surgically placed in your jaw and eventually fuse with the bone, which usually makes them stronger and longer lasting.

But you might avoid this treatment if you’re afraid the procedure might hurt. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect from getting dental implants so you can hopefully set your fears aside!

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Many experts consider this service the ideal way to replace lost teeth because of its unique advantages. These restorations involve placing a support post, usually made from biocompatible titanium or ceramic, directly into your jaw. Then, it can take 3 to 6+ months to recover, which is usually how long it takes the mouth to generate enough new bone to fully fuse with this pole in a process called osseointegration.

Once you’ve healed sufficiently, your dentist can attach a lifelike replacement tooth made of durable porcelain, customized to match the size, shape, and shade of your natural teeth, so it blends in seamlessly and boosts your confidence.  

Does the Dental Implant Procedure Hurt?

It’s natural to wonder whether your oral surgery will hurt, but your dentist understands you might be feeling anxious and will do everything they can to help soothe your frayed nerves. For instance, they’ll numb your mouth with a local anesthetic before starting your procedure to help avoid potential pain. Many providers also offer sedatives, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) that can help you feel calm and comfortable the entire time.

This medication isn’t intended to ‘knock you out’, but it reduces your body’s ability to respond to external stimuli to help you get through your treatment successfully. It also has a temporary amnesia effect that can make it difficult to recall the details of your procedure afterward, which many patients consider to be yet another benefit of sedation.

Does Recovery Hurt After Implant Placement?

You likely won’t have to worry about potential discomfort until after your appointment, when the medications wear off. Then, it’s normal to feel sore and swollen for several days to about a week. Thankfully, these symptoms often peak around the third day after your procedure and then gradually begin to subside, and can often be managed with ice packs or over-the-counter pain meds, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

If you experience chronic or severe pain lasting a week or more, please contact your dentist so they can ensure your mouth is healing as intended.

You’re not alone if you’re scared that getting dental implants will hurt, but thanks to current dental technology, techniques, and medications, this procedure today is considered more comfortable than ever before!

About the Practice

Patients at A New Smile benefit from a team of providers who are passionate about helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Their general dentists collaborate with their onsite specialists to provide a comprehensive menu of quality services, including dental implant placement and restoration, to meet your unique needs under one roof. Their attention to detail is paired with advanced technology to provide comfortable, accurate outcomes intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (818) 897-5771.