The recession of the gums, weakening of the surrounding teeth, and the loss of your smile are all possible side effects of missing teeth. Dentures and bridges have traditionally been used to replace lost teeth, but dental implants are becoming more renowned as compared to other treatments. Fixed or detachable teeth may be supported with dental implants.
The most often asked question by prospective dental implant patients is, "Are dental implants painful?" It's not uncommon for individuals to feel minor discomfort after the surgery, which is minimally invasive.
How painful are dental implants? How long does it take for a patient to fully recover after dental implant surgery? Continue reading to learn more about how it works and what to anticipate throughout the process.
Dental Implant Procedure
Procedures for dental implants include a number of different processes. To begin, a customized treatment plan is created by oral surgeons and restorative dentists. As a result, patients may get the treatment that is specifically tailored to their implant preferences.
The tooth root implant is the next step, and it is inserted into the jaw bone where the lost tooth was. After 6-12 weeks of healing, the jawbone forms around the implant, securing it in place inside the jaw. The early aftermath of this tooth root implant operation is a minor dental implant discomfort.
A local anesthetic is administered to the patient before the surgery in order to alleviate discomfort and anxiety. As soon as the anesthetic wears off, dental implants may be painful for many people. Taking ibuprofen, for example, an over-the-counter medication may help ease the discomfort following dental implant surgery.
What is the Timeline for Dental Implant?
The number of stages and the time it takes to complete a dental implant treatment varies from patient to patient. The following are the most important steps:
- Initial consultation
- First surgery
- Abutment placement, and
- Crown implantation
If nothing goes wrong, the whole procedure might take up to eight months.
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
Are full mouth dental implants painful? After a dental implant operation, patients might expect to feel some discomfort. For the first couple of days, you may experience some pain. Patients may still feel some discomfort for up to ten days after the procedure, but this shouldn't last more than two weeks. If the pain continues for more than a few days, you should see your prosthodontist. Patients with dental implants may wonder why dental implants hurt after surgery?
Many times, this discomfort is caused by bruising of the gums surrounding the implant site and by brushing near the implant site.
After dental implant treatment, you might anticipate the following side effects in addition to the usual discomfort and gum bruising:
- Pain in the cheekbones, chin, and beneath the eyes.
- Bleeding (Minor)
- Swelling of the gum surrounding the implant site.
Dental implant complications are uncommon, but they may occur. Infection and injury at the implant site are two possible risks. Your prosthodontist's rapid response may be crucial to your recovery if you have nerve damage or sinus difficulties.
What to Expect during Healing?
After the anesthetic wears off, you might anticipate some tenderness. However, it isn't impossible to deal with. If you undergo any discomfort or pain as a result of the healing process, your dentist may prescribe you an OTC pain medication. It is critical that you adhere to the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist. This may include:
- For the first 24 hours after surgery, refrain from using a straw
- Expect minor swelling for two to three days
- Use salt water to rinse 3 to 4 times a day after the procedure
- In the first 48 hours, stay away from overly hot food
- For the first 24 to 48 hours, stick to liquids
- Smoking should be avoided for at least 3 days following the procedure.
- For minor aches and pains, use Tylenol®.
Everyone's road to recovery and restoration will be unique. As a general rule, you shouldn't feel much pain at any point throughout the treatment or recuperation. A dental checkup or a trip to the doctor is advised if you're still experiencing discomfort days or weeks after the initial procedure. When it comes to surgery, a dental implant is one of the most accessible procedures to undergo.
Should You opt for a Dental Implant?
If you're considering getting dental implants, talking to your dentist should be your first step. In-depth information on the process, what to anticipate, and how to care for your teeth may be obtained from your dentist. A replacement cost comparison will also be provided at the office. For some people, dental implants aren't the best option. A second operation may be required for certain people. In order to enhance the quality of the jawbone, patients often need bone transplants and sinus lifts.
Long-term denture wearers may need these extra treatments to help their bone health. It is normal for denture users to have bone loss, which makes them ineligible for dental implants. In order to establish whether dental implants are correct for you, your dentist will examine your remaining teeth, jawbone, and gums during your first appointment. Even if you're not a good candidate for dental implants right now, you're not excluded from it. In order to prepare the region for an implant, your dentist may use a combination of treatments.
The Bottom Line
Surgery of any kind may be a frightening experience and patients wonder “are dental implants painful”. You may be too concerned about the drilling, cutting, or the need for sutures. This is a valid concern. When it comes to dental implants, you shouldn't feel any discomfort. In addition, you shouldn't feel any pain throughout the healing process. If you experience any discomfort after the surgery, Tylenol® or other OTC medicines may help ease the discomfort caused by the sutures.