Do Dental Implants Hurt? Get Over the Cringe in This Guide

Did you know that up to 98% of dental implants are successful? You might be wondering do dental implants hurt?

This article will cover everything about implants from the entire procedure to if there’s any pain involved. Read on to find a complete guide about this dental procedure, and feel more comfortable about the process. 

Pre-Surgery Examination

Before you have your surgery, you’ll meet with your dentist or specialist for an exam of your teeth. They’ll collect all the information necessary and answer any questions you have. Then, you’ll be ready to schedule a date and time for the procedure. 

How Dental Implants Work

Whether you’re missing many or one tooth, and you don’t want dentures or a bridge, you can find out from your dentist if implants can be an option for you. They’re a more natural replacement option than dentures since they’re attached to your jawbone. You have to be healthy and have a healthy jawbone along with healthy gums to be considered for implants. 

It’s a procedure that replaces your tooth’s root with metal posts and your tooth will be switched with artificial teeth that look and function like real teeth. First, you’ll have surgery to have the implant placed into your jaw. 

The implant is covered with gum tissue and integrates into your jawbone for 3-6 months. Next, your dentist will attach a post to the implant. The gum tissue is then able to grow around it. Sometimes the post and implant are placed together. 

Next, your dentist attached a crown that’s customized for your implant post. 

How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?

There are multiple factors that go into how long the procedure will take. A few considerations are which teeth are being replaced, if there will be a tooth extracted before the implant placement, how many teeth are involved, and your dental health. 

The dental implant is done in 2 phases and can take between 6-9 months. The factors above will decide how often you’ll need to visit your dentist through the treatment period. A single tooth implant could take just 1-2 hours including anesthesia. 

Surgery Prep

You’ll receive some instructions prior to the procedure, make sure to follow all instructions received. Some instructions might include rinsing with an anti-bacterial mouthwash, taking antibiotics for a few days before the surgery, and eating a balanced breakfast the morning of the surgery. 

If you’ll be under IV sedation you won’t eat anything after midnight the evening before the surgery. Also, if receiving IV sedation you’ll need someone to bring you to your appointment and drive you home.

The Procedure Broken Down

During the first phase, you’ll first receive local anesthesia to numb your mouth. Next, your doctor will make an incision in your gums for where the implant will be placed to see the bone underneath. 

A drill will be used to make space for the implant in your bone. Then, the implant will be screwed in with an implant drill or a hand tool. Next, the second component will be screwed in and remain in place during the healing process. 

The gums will then be closed over the implant and you may receive a stitch or 2. During the next few months, your implant will be securely attached to the bone. 

When you’re ready for the second phase, there will be re-exposure of the implant. A small incision will be made in your gums to see the implant unless there’s a separate component that’s above the gums. 

An extension is placed on the implant for an impression. The lab will use this to fit your crown. Your specialist will then have multiple appointments to make your new crown. The last step is the placement of your customized crown. Your specialist might fit the crown before it’s completely finished to see how it fits in your mouth. 

Do Dental Implants Hurt?

There can be some discomfort but local anesthesia and oral sedation are used to get rid of any discomfort for the procedure. Many patients have said they were comfortable after the procedure. 

Your doctor can also prescribe medications for any discomfort that could happen after the procedure. It’s normal to have some swelling and bruising after the procedure in your gums and soft tissue. Any discomfort you feel can be taken care of with any over the counter painkiller such as ibuprofen. 

How Long Do Teeth Implants Last?

Teeth implants normally last about 25 years and can last forever depending on caring for them. You’ll want to make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Also, make sure to see your dentist every 6 months. 

It can also depend on how skillful your dentist is in placing your implant, so definitely find a high-quality specialist to do so. It’s also important to have a healthy lifestyle and great health overall. 

You’ll also want to avoid chewing on hard items like pencils or pen tips and never opening anything with your teeth. When you visit your dentist every 6 months you’ll know if you ever need to have your implant changed. You might never need to replace your implant as long as it doesn’t develop an infection or become loose. 

Dental Implant Procedures and Do Dental Implants Hurt?

When you’re wondering do dental implants hurt, the answer is no normally not, and if they do it’s very mild and can be treated with over the counter medication. It’s important that you go to a skilled specialist who performs many dental implants for the most promising outcome. 

Are you ready to have that smile you’ve always dreamed of? Contact us today!