Dental implants are one of the most popular teeth replacement treatments for patients with missing or damaged teeth. This is primarily because they are exceptionally long-lasting, comfortable, and natural-looking.
The process of having dental implants fitted can take several months, and some patients feel nervous about the prospect of undergoing this procedure and are afraid they might experience dental implant pain. If you are wondering, “are teeth implants painful?”, here is everything you need to know about dental implants, the procedure, and recovery.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent tooth restoration. When talking about dental implants, your dentist is referring to three individual pieces: the implant, the abutment, and the artificial tooth.
The implant is a titanium rod that looks like a screw and is embedded directly into the jawbone. The abutment is a small metal structure that connects the artificial tooth to the implant. Together the three pieces make a durable tooth replacement that looks and feels like a natural tooth.
Are Teeth Implants Painful?
To answer the question “are teeth implants painful?” thoroughly, you need to understand the implant surgery and the recovery phase.
Every patient and case is unique, and their dental implant pain threshold is different. Luckily, at No Gaps Dental, our dentists are incredibly experienced. We take a gentle approach to dentistry and offer several choices of anaesthesia or sedation to minimise discomfort and alleviate anxiety around dental implant pain.
Dental implants may ultimately save you from future pain and discomfort. For instance, if a damaged tooth is left untreated, it may lead to deep decay, infection, or a tooth abscess. While if you have a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth can shift into the gap, leading to misalignment and bite issues they may need to be corrected with more surgeries.
The Dental Implant Surgery
The procedure for fitting tooth implants can be broken down into the following steps, each of which is usually completed in a separate appointment:
- Initial consultation and X-raying of the area.
- Tooth extraction, if necessary.
- Insertion of the implant.
- Fitting the abutment.
- Taking an impression of the area and digital imaging.
- Fitting the artificial tooth.
During the tooth extraction and fitting of the implant, abutment, and artificial tooth, the area will be numbed. At No Gaps Dental, we offer both local anaesthesia and sedation, depending on your needs. Many patients suffer from dental anxiety and wonder,” are teeth implants painful?”, inhalation sedation can induce a deep feeling of relaxation to help you feel more comfortable.
While the idea of your dentist making an incision into your gum and drilling into your jawbone sounds intimidating, remember that the anaesthetic is used to numb you from potential pain and the jawbone has no nerves to feel any discomfort.
If you are concerned about feeling dental implant pain or know that you suffer from anxiety about visiting the dentist, let our staff at No Gaps Dental know and we will do everything we can to make you more comfortable.
Recovering After Dental Implant Surgery
When the anaesthesia has worn off after the surgical parts of the dental implant procedure, you may experience some tenderness, minor swelling (which may occur two or three days after surgery), bruising, or minor bleeding. This is generally managed easily with ice packs or over-the-counter medication. In some cases, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics.
Some things you can do to reduce discomfort and help the healing process include:
- Eating soft foods, such as yoghurt, fruit purees, soups, and smoothies, for a few days.
- Avoid very hot food or drinks for a few days.
- Don’t use straws, spit, smoke, rinse your mouth out, or touch the implant site for at least 24 hours.
- Avoid chewing directly on the implant site for several days.
- After 24 hours have passed, rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution several times per day and after eating.
In the unlikely event that you experienced severe dental implant pain or discomfort that lasts for many days, contact your dentist for advice.
How to Care for Dental Implants?
Your dental implant will not require any specific care. However, it is crucial that you maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, making regular trips to the dentist, and avoid behaviours that can damage your oral health such as smoking and eating hard foods.
Dental floss and interdental brushes that have been specially designed for dental implants are available and can help you keep your implant and surrounding area as clean as possible. Sticking to these good habits will ensure both your dental implants and natural teeth last a lifetime.
Don’t Let Fear of Dental Implant Pain Get In Your Way
Some people suffer from fear or anxiety about going to the dentist, and so the idea of undergoing a procedure such as dental implant surgery can be a scary prospect. Being afraid of experiencing dental implant pain can stop patients from getting much-needed treatment to avoid more serious issues in the future.
Our team at No Gaps Dental, from our talented dentists to our friendly reception staff, understands that visiting the dentist can be difficult for many people. That is why we work hard to provide a supportive, calming environment for our patients, in addition to exceptional dental care.
If you have any questions about dental implants or any other dental procedure, call us today on (02) 8806 0227 for more information or to arrange a consultation at a No Gaps Dental clinic near you.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.