The time has come to take action. You’ve been living without a full set of teeth for far too long, and you’re ready to have them replaced. Your best option is dental implantation, but you’re a little hesitant because you’re worried about being in pain. Is your concern warranted – are dental implants painful to have placed? Continue reading to find out!
Why You Have Nothing to Worry About
The first thing you should know is that no work will commence until the dentist is 100% sure that your mouth is completely numb. This is accomplished by either using general or local anesthesia. As an added safety measure, the dentist will test to make sure the medication is fully active before proceeding. This ensures that you’ll have a painless experience.
Understanding the Dental Implantation Process
After numbing the treatment area, the dentist will create a space in your gums and jawbone for the cylinder-shaped titanium post (implant) to be placed. After the post is inserted and sufficiently secured, a protective cap is added to keep the treatment area safe while it heals over the next few months. In some cases, the dentist will stitch the gums to further encourage healing.
Should You Expect any Post-Surgery Discomfort?
It can take three to five hours for the numbness to wear off after your surgery is completed. The good news is you won’t suddenly be hit with overwhelming pain. Typically, any discomfort felt is less than that of having a tooth extracted.
If you are experiencing acute pain, it could be an indicator that the implant has been improperly placed or there is an infection. This rarely happens, though, as the dental implant process has a 95% success rate.
Normal Post-Surgery Occurrences
So you won’t be caught by surprise, here are a few things you can expect to happen after your dental implant is placed:
- Facial swelling
- Slight discomfort in the face and jaw for around 10 days
- A gradual decrease in the pain and swelling after the third day
Dentists typically recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, etc.) to reduce any pain and inflammation. It also helps to apply ice to the outside of your face.
Although dental implant surgery is undeniably the most effective way of replacing missing teeth, it’s quite normal for you to be cautious about committing to the procedure. After all, it’s still a major life decision. This is where an initial consultation is so valuable. It allows you to ask any questions you may have and for the dentist to go into great detail about what you can expect from the procedure. Once you feel comfortable, you can move forward with achieving a fully functional and attractive smile!
About the Author
Dr. Mark M. Farthing earned his dental degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. For over 30 years, he has provided the absolute best in dental care. Throughout his career, Dr. Farthing has completed several hours of continuing education, which includes advanced training from the prestigious Dawson Academy. He also maintains membership with the Indiana University School of Dentistry Implant Study Group. Dr. Farthing replaces missing teeth with dental implants at Indianapolis Family Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.