Dental implants are a fantastic option for individuals looking for a tooth replacement that appears natural, requires minimal maintenance outside of regular oral hygiene, and is long-lasting. Designed to fuse with your jawbone for support that mimics a natural tooth root’s function, dental implants are durable and stop the deterioration of your jawbone due to missing teeth.
While it is a common misconception that dental implant surgery is a painful process, this is generally not the case. How painful are tooth implants? A person may experience some discomfort following the procedure, but modern-day sedation and anaesthetic options ensure quick and efficient surgery, and with the right aftercare, you can have a comfortable recovery.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A dental implant consists of three parts: the implant, the abutment, and the crown. The implant is an essential part because it strengthens the jaw while also supporting the prosthetic tooth.
The implant fuses with the jawbone because it is made from biocompatible titanium. This osseointegration prevents the jaw’s deterioration that would naturally occur if a tooth root isn’t present.
When the bone and the titanium bond, the abutment and crown are fitted for a prosthetic tooth that looks and feels completely natural. It also offers the same strength, if not more, than a natural tooth because of the fusion of the titanium to the bone. This durability gives you the freedom to enjoy the foods you love, speak naturally, and maintain simple oral hygiene habits, which is not the case with all tooth replacement options.
How Painful are Tooth Implants?
The procedure of having dental implants placed has become relatively routine when completed by a skilled dental professional like those at No Gaps Dental. The process of dental implant surgery consists of several steps, of which none cause any extreme discomfort.
The initial consultation consists of a dental exam and X-rays to ensure you are in good oral health, and your jaw is capable of supporting the implant. This process also helps the dentist to create a plan for your dental implant treatment.
The actual dental implant surgery is the most invasive step involving the titanium rod’s insertion into the gums. Patients receive local anaesthetic during the procedure, and the dentist makes a small incision in the gum to expose the bone and embed the rod into place. The whole treatment passes quickly and with very mild discomfort.
Following the operation, slight bruising or swelling in the face is entirely normal. During this stage, you can treat any discomfort at home by applying ice periodically to the side of your face and taking over-the-counter pain medication.
Minimise Dental Implant Discomfort with Sedation Dentistry
For anxious patients, No Gaps Dental offers sedation dentistry to minimise any stress related to the dental implants procedure.
We also provide nitrous oxide (laughing gas) which is inhaled and puts you into a sleepy, dream-like state, leaving you conscious but unaware of the procedure. This conscious sedation allows you to respond to instructions from the dentist while suppressing any anxiety or discomfort.
How to Care for Dental Implants After Surgery?
How you care for dental implants following your surgery is critical to minimising any chances of pain or infection. Follow the instructions provided by your dental professional diligently and dedicate extra time daily to maintaining oral hygiene.
In the first 24 hours following the dental implants procedure, you may experience blood in your saliva, pain, swelling, and bruising. This is common and not cause for concern as long as you manage it well. You can apply ice to the side of your face (but not directly on the implant site) to minimise swelling, and any minor bleeding can be handled by applying pressure with gauze.
These symptoms should steadily improve over 5-7 days following the dental implant procedure. If they worsen, or you experience new symptoms, including fever, nausea, or foul odour, contact your dental professional immediately.
Eating well is vital for nurturing your body while you recover. In the days immediately after the procedure, you’ll need to eat soft foods only and chew on the opposite side of the implant site. You should also avoid hot or cold beverages, and drinking through a straw, so you don’t disturb the blood clot.
While oral hygiene is crucial following dental implant insertion, it’s important not to brush the implant site directly after surgery to avoid unnecessary pain. Rinse your mouth with salt water or a mouthwash solution to disinfect the area safely.
To make the healing process as smooth as possible, avoid physical exercise, and get enough rest. Take your medications, avoid smoking, and keep up to date with your dental appointments to ensure you’re on track for the abutment and crown fittings.
Get High-Quality Dental Implants in Sydney
Choosing a trusted dental provider is essential to a successful experience with tooth replacement. Dental implant surgery in Australia is safe and reliable and overseen by the Australian Dental Association. Dental implant surgery also has a high success rate, so the likelihood of failure is less than 5%. If you’re wondering how painful are tooth implants, ease your mind by speaking to a dental professional at No Gaps Dental on (02) 8806 0227.
No Gaps Dental has 15 locations in the Sydney area that provide dental implant services, and we are eager to work with you to understand if this is the right tooth replacement option for your needs.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.