Are you considering replacing a missing tooth to restore your smile? If so you’re not alone. Millions of people undergo dental implant surgery every single year and for good reason. Dental implants are the closest thing we have to natural looking teeth but the question many patients ask is “is a tooth implant painful?”
The simple answer is ‘no’ but to answer your question fully, let’s start with a brief explanation of what a dental implant is …
Dental implants are highly engineered titanium posts that are inserted directly into the jawbone at the missing tooth site during dental implant surgery. Once in position, they fuse with the surrounding bone and gum tissue to become a permanent fixture in the mouth.
Once fusion (osseointegration) has occurred, the dental implant acts as a tooth root to support a false tooth or dental crown and to provide stimulation to the jaw bone to keep it healthy.
Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth which is why they’re considered the best method of tooth replacement.
Yet, for many people, the thought of dental implant surgery instils a feeling of fear. So with this in mind, it’s important to know what’s involved in the procedure to understand the type and level of discomfort (if any) to expect. So let’s answer the million dollar question…
Does dental implant surgery hurt?
To address whether a tooth implant is painful it’s best to break the procedure down into two sections: they are
- The surgery itself and
- The recovery period
Let’s start with the surgery…
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone which requires the dentist to make an incision into the gums to expose the bone. Understandably, this sounds a little scary (and painful) but the good news is that before your dentist gets started you will be offered dental sedation to help you relax together with local anaesthesia to numb your mouth.
This is similar to what you would expect during a routine dental filling procedure. When the area is completely numb the dentist will make the incision.
Once the bone is exposed, a small hole is drilled for the dental implant to be placed into. While drilling sounds like it could hurt, there are no nerves in the jawbone to feel pain so the only discomfort you may feel is slight pressure.
The entire surgical process from start to finish is usually pretty quick – taking no more than an hour and often less. Most people are surprised at how comfortable dental implant placement is.
Just to be on the safe side however, the dentist may give you pain medication before starting the dental implant surgery so that when the anaesthetic wears off, there is sufficient pain relief, just in case.
What to Expect During The Dental Implant Healing Process?
It’s only natural for your mouth to feel a little tender once the anaesthetic has worn off. You may also experience some facial swelling in the cheeks which can be eased with the aid of a cold compress or ice pack. However, most people find that any discomfort during the healing period can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen. For a speedy recovery, It’s essential to follow all aftercare instructions which may include the following points:
- The day after surgery rinse your mouth with salt water 3 or 4 times a day to help reduce swelling and prevent infections
- Avoid drinking through a straw for 48 hours following surgery
- Do not eat or drink any food or beverages that are overly hot
- Keep to a soft or liquid diet for 7 days
- Refrain from smoking any tobacco products at all costs
Recovery varies from person to person but generally, patients shouldn’t experience too much discomfort during the healing period. If you are experiencing overwhelming or uncontrollable pain, it’s important to make a follow-up appointment with your dentist or seek medical attention.
While surgery is rarely without some discomfort, receiving dental implants is one of the most accessible surgeries and most patients say any pain or discomfort is considerably less than when having a tooth pulled.
So now we’ve answered the question “is a tooth implant painful?” should you be considering dental implants?
Anyone considering a dental implant should consult first with their dentist. He or she can talk you through the entire process and the aftercare involved. Price comparisons between different types of replacement methods can also be discussed.
A dental implant isn’t for everyone. Some patients may require additional treatments such as sinus lifts and bone grafts to improve the quality of the jawbone. Certain medical conditions such as heart disease and uncontrolled diabetes may also prevent a person from having a dental implant.
During an initial consultation, your dentist will assess your oral health and the condition of your bone to determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. Even if you’re not suitable right away, your dentist may be able to put a treatment plan in place to prepare the area for a dental implant at a future date.
Conclusion
Most people feel nervous about undergoing dental surgery. You may worry about drilling, the incision, or even the suturing but the bottom line is that you shouldn’t feel any pain when receiving dental implants. A tooth implant is not painful during surgery because your mouth is numb and any discomfort during the healing should easily be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. Any discomfort felt should subside in a few days.
Want to find out more about getting a dental implant? Why not contact the experienced team at No Gaps Dental at (02) 8806 0227 to see if they are right for you.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.