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Contact Bellevue Azalea dentistry if you are interested in dental implants and need further information.

How Painful is Dental Implant Surgery?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots and dental crown replacements. They are typically implanted into the jawbone or placed directly on it. According to NCBI research, implant dentistry is the second oldest dental practice, behind exodontia or oral surgery. The main advantage of implants is that they provide strong support for your new teeth. The bone has to heal closely around the implant for the procedure to work. However, because this operation requires screwing a prosthetic tooth root into the jawbone, it often causes some discomfort. Many dental patients are concerned about the degree of dental implants procedure pain they may experience and how long it will stay.

Dental implants procedure pain impacts both the gums and the jawbone. Because the mouth will be numbed, the procedure itself may be painless. However, once the analgesic wears off, patients frequently experience some amount of discomfort. Usually,  a single implant will trigger minor pain than an operation involving many implants. 

What is involved in dental implant surgery?

Dental implant surgery is a treatment that substitutes tooth roots with metal screw-like implants. It also replaces broken or missing teeth with artificial teeth that appear and function similarly to natural teeth. The type of implant used and the health of your jawbone usually determine how dental implant surgery will be executed.

Types of dental implants

Dental implants are classified into two types:

  1. Endosteal implants are often shaped like tiny screws. They are composed of biocompatible materials like titanium. Endosteal implants are surgically screwed into the jawbone to replace tooth roots. A single implant can be used to support one or more teeth.
  2. A subperiosteal implant is employed when a patient has insufficient healthy jawbone to accommodate an endosteal implant. Subperiosteal implants are positioned beneath the gums without drilling the jawbone. 

Dental implant procedure

A hole is drilled into the jawbone by a dental practitioner during dental implant surgery. The fix is filled with a metal post or implant. This metal post serves as a substitute tooth root. The post has to be allowed to osseointegrate; the patient’s jawbone needs to grow around the post. Even though this procedure might take months, it is critical for a healthy and sturdy implant. The abutment, which is a part to which the dental crown will be connected, is typically not joined to the post unless osseointegration has been completed.

The dentist may need to conduct a minor surgery to insert the abutment. This is a modest procedure that only concerns the gums. Although there may be some bleeding and inflammation, the pain from installing the abutment is less intense than the discomfort from getting the metal post implanted.

Once your teeth have healed, your dentist may obtain an impression of them so that your permanent replacement tooth or teeth may be custom-made to fit. These can be permanently attached or detachable. If you choose a detachable tooth, it will be linked to the abutment through a metal frame. If you choose a fixed tooth, it will be glued or screwed into place on the abutment.

After the procedure is completed, notify your dentist if your mouth feels painful in any way or if you feel any of the following:

  • Persistent pain
  • Severe discomfort
  • Bruising
  • Inflammation
  • An irregular or unpleasant bite

Your artificial teeth will seem and function just like your natural teeth. They need to be cared for by brushing and flossing regularly. Cleaning them does not necessitate the use of any particular products. You may treat them in the same manner as your natural teeth. We also recommend making an appointment with your dentist for frequent checks as well.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

A one-on-one appointment at Bellevue Azalea Dentistry is one way to determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. However, there are several indicators you may look for to help you decide who is eligible for this operation.

If you require any pre-surgery 

Before you are authorized to have dental implants installed, our experts will assess if you require any pre-surgery procedures. If you have severe gum disease or tooth loss for a long time, you may need treatments to prepare your mouth for dental implants.

If you smoke

While smoking does not exclude you from receiving dental implants, it may affect the procedure. Tobacco use and smoking may stain your teeth. It may also cause gum disease and other oral complications. Patients may need to stop smoking at least two weeks before and two weeks after their surgery before our specialists would insert dental implants. This will keep them safe throughout the procedure and speed up their recovery.

How Long is Dental Implant Recovery Process

Receiving dental implants is a quick and straightforward surgical procedure. The recovery time for a dental implant is typically four to six months. Several patients resume work the next day, and in some situations, the same day. What you do at home following the operation, on the other hand, can have a substantial impact on the procedure’s outcome. 

Conclusion

Dental patients don’t usually want to experience any form of discomfort. However, we typically advise them not to allow their dread of dental implants procedure pain to discourage them from going ahead with the treatment. Implants are intended to be permanent tooth replacements, and when done correctly, they may provide a patient with a beautifully restored smile.

LET US HELP YOU

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Do To Alleviate Dental Implants Procedure Pain At Home?

There are several techniques to reduce dental implants procedure pain throughout the 7 – 10 day recovery period:

  • Obey the dentist’s recommendations
  • Take pain relievers as directed
  • As needed, use cold packs
  • Soak gums in saltwater
  • Consume cold and soft foods
  • Keep brushing and flossing your teeth consistently
  • Seek medical attention if pain persists after the 7 – 10 day recovery period
About the Author
Dr. Uparika Sharma is the founder dentist of Bellevue Azalea Dentistry. In addition to general dental procedures, she evaluates TMJ, cervical spine, airway problems, chronic headache, and CRPS.

Author

Dr. Uparika Sharma is a trusted dentist. She has been practicing for over 5 years at Bellevue Azalea Dentistry clinic. She holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the University of Washington. Dr. Uparika Sharma is a member of the American Dental Association.