Dental implants are a popular and effective tooth replacement treatment. However, many people are nervous about undergoing implant surgery and potentially experiencing dental implant pain. But, just how painful is a dental implant, and what can you do to minimise discomfort?
Dental Implant Surgery Process
Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots in the form of a titanium screw-like rod. The implant is embedded into the jawbone, and then a small connecting structure called an abutment is attached. This device connects the restored or replacement tooth (usually a crown or bridge) to the implant. Dental implants can be used to support a single tooth, several consecutive teeth, or an entire arch of teeth.
The process of having a dental implant fitted occurs over several steps.
Step 1: The Initial Consultation
During this appointment, your dentist assesses your suitability for dental implants by performing a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth, including X-rays or 3D diagnostic imaging.
Among other things, this determines the quantity and quality of your jawbone and, therefore, if any other treatment, such as a bone graft, is needed before dental implants can be fitted.
After the check-up, your dentist will discuss your options and provide you with a detailed, customised treatment plan.
Step 2: Implant Placement
Depending on your situation, for instance, if you don’t need a tooth extraction first, the implant placement may happen soon after your initial consultation. During the surgery, a small hole is drilled into the bone for implant placement.
After the surgery, the bone fuses to the implant making a sturdy base for the artificial tooth in a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration can take between three to six months, but it is not painful. If necessary, your dentist can fit a temporary crown for you to wear during this period.
Step 3: Abutment Placement
After osseointegration has occurred, the abutment is placed onto the implant, just above the gum line. Sometimes the abutment can be fitted at the same time as the implant itself, depending on your gum and bone health.
Step 4: Artificial Teeth Placement
Once the implant area is fully healed, impressions are taken of the area to produce your personalised tooth restoration. In No Gaps Dental, we offer Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC crowns), natural, highly-functional ceramic crowns that are designed, milled, and fitted on the same day using state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology and milling equipment.
How Painful is a Dental Implant: During the Surgery
Many people feel nervous about dental implant surgery, specifically their discomfort during the procedure. Dentists work hard to ensure the surgery is as comfortable as possible. At No Gaps Dental, patients can either have local anaesthesia or IV sedation, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure.
Some patients are concerned that a hole is made in the jawbone, and while this may sound painful, it’s worth noting that the jaw has no nerve endings. If you are concerned about dental implant pain or suffer from dental anxiety, let your dentist know at the initial consultation, and they will discuss various options to improve your experience.
How Painful is a Dental Implant: After the Surgery
While anaesthesia or sedation is used to eliminate dental implant pain during surgery, it’s true that you are likely to experience some discomfort in the days after your implant is fitted. This discomfort is not dissimilar to that felt after any other dental surgery procedure and may include swelling, bruising, tenderness, mild discomfort, and minor bleeding for up to 24 hours after surgery.
These symptoms may last up to two weeks; if they continue, you should visit your dentist so they can make sure you don’t have an infection in the area.
How Painful is a Dental Implant: Ways to Minimise Dental Implant Pain
After having dental implants fitted, it’s crucial that you follow your dentist’s aftercare advice. These directions and suggestions help promote fast, effective healing and reduce any discomfort you may feel after implant surgery. These suggestions may include:
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Use Ice to Reduce Swelling
Placing an ice pack on your cheek nearest the implant site can help reduce swelling and relieve dental implant pain. Wrap the pack in a towel to avoid ice burns. Do this for ten minutes at a time.
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Eat Soft Foods
Because your gums, mouth, and jaw may be sore for several days after surgery, eating foods that require chewing may be painful. Stick to soft, nutritious foods that will give you energy for your recovery, such as soups, yoghurt, porridge, smoothies, and scrambled eggs.
As well as chewy food, you should avoid anything crunchy or crumbly as they can cause irritation. Steer clear of spicy foods or acidic foods for the same reason.
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Avoid Hot Food and Drinks
It can be dangerous to eat or drink anything hot before the anaesthetic has worn off as you can easily burn yourself.
Also, hot food and drink can worsen any minor bleeding that occurs.
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Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Smoking slows down both the healing process and osseointegration. Alcohol can dry out the mouth, making it harder to heal, and may interact with any medication you are taking for dental implant pain.
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Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Practices
You should continue to brush your teeth throughout your healing process, but avoid touching the implant site for a few days, then brush extremely carefully. Use a manual toothbrush, and don’t use water jet flossers for the first two weeks. Rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution, especially after eating, can help clean your mouth and sanitise the area.
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Skip Vigorous Exercise
For the first day or so after having dental implants fitted, you may not feel up to vigorous exercise; however, even if you are feeling energetic, it is best to avoid it for a few days as it can lead to throbbing and bleeding in the area.
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Take Painkillers if Needed
Over the counter, painkillers can be taken to manage dental implant pain. If your dentist prescribed any medication, such as antibiotics, be sure to take them as directed and complete the full course.
Safe and Effective Dental Implants With No Gaps Dental
If you think you may need dental implants but are concerned about the process, the friendly, experienced staff at No Gaps Dental are happy to discuss your options with you. We have skilled dentists in 15 locations across Sydney.
To book an initial consultation, contact us at (02) 8806 0227 today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.