Is it Painful to Get Dental Implants?

One of the main reasons people postpone or avoid going to the dentist altogether is the fear that it can be painful. While sitting in a dentist's chair is far from a relaxing activity and you may feel some mild discomfort during some procedures, pain isn't really an issue anymore. 

From local or general anesthesia to various types of sedation, you have numerous options nowadays that can help you get pain-free dental treatment. Not to mention, some of these solutions will also help you relax so that you can benefit from the treatment you need. 

If you have missing teeth and have been postponing getting dental implants because you were afraid it might be too painful, here's what you should know about the procedure. 

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What to Expect from Your Dental Implant Procedure?

Dental implants are safe restorative procedures that replace missing teeth, including the root. This way, an implant will act just like a natural tooth, stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone mass loss. 

The dental implant process starts with a consultation during which your Pflugerville dentist will examine your oral health and determine if you are a good candidate for implants. If you have gum disease, for example, then you will have to treat this condition first before you can get the implant. 

If you are cleared for the treatment, then your dentist will schedule you for your implant surgery. Don't worry, your dentist will use a local anesthetic, so you won't feel anything during the surgery. 

You may experience some pain, discomfort, and swelling, for a few days after the surgery, but this is normal. The symptoms usually go away in about one to two weeks and you can use OTC pain medication to manage your discomfort. 

Although the surgery site heals in about two weeks, it takes six months or more for the implant to fuse with the surrounding bone and tissue. This period is called osseointegration and it's crucial to the success and effectiveness of your implant. 

Only after the implant is integrated with the tissue, the dentist can proceed to completing the treatment by placing the abutment and then the dental crown. 

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The Dental Healing Process: What Is Normal?

As we said, it's normal to feel a slight discomfort, swelling, and pain after the implant surgery. Minor bleeding or bruising are also normal and to be expected. 

These symptoms will slowly subside as the days pass, but what you do during this period can also influence the healing process. So, only eat soft and liquid foods for about a week, don't smoke, and don't engage in any intense physical activities. 

If the symptoms do not go away or they get more intense, contact your dentist immediately. 

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Are You Ready to Restore Your Oral Health? We Can Help! 

Are you ready to restore your smile with the help of implants? Primavera Dental Group is here to help you. 

Call us to schedule an appointment and let's start discussing your best treatment options. 

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