Dental implants have gained immense popularity in recent times and are one of the best ways of replacing lost teeth. Dental implants form an integral part of restorative and prosthetic dentistry. It seamlessly and elegantly replaces missing teeth and restores oral functions such as speech and chewing.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are screw-shaped surgical fixtures placed into the jawbone via a tiny incision on the gums. Once placed, dental implants take around six months to become one with the jawbone; after that, they act like a tooth’s root. Dental implants form a foundation over which dental crowns, bridges and dentures are placed.
Implants are becoming increasingly popular as a method of teeth replacement, and rightfully so. Dental implants restore full chewing capacity and do not require special care once healed. Moreover, they prevent bone resorption, thereby helping maintain facial proportions and aesthetics, and they look and feel just like natural teeth do.
However, there is a lot of confusion and misinformation surrounding dental implants. Many people tend to have doubts, and one of the most commonly asked questions is – “Are dental implants painful?” Read ahead as we shed light on this crucial question.
Are dental implants painful?
To answer it shortly – No. Dental implants are not painful once they have been placed and integrated with the jawbone.
The procedure for the placement of dental implants is carried out under local anaesthesia, which numbs the intended site and ensures a pain-free and comfortable surgical experience. You won’t feel any pain or discomfort during your procedure.
Once adequate anesthesia is achieved, an implant specialist will make a tiny incision over the intended area to expose the underlying jawbone. Next, specialised dental drills are used to create a hole in the bone where an implant is placed. Once it is placed, the gums are sutured. Dental implants are left in their place for six months to ensure they become one with the jawbone.
Although the surgery for implant placement is pain-free, once the effects of anesthesia start to wear off, you may begin to start feeling a little discomfort, and mild to moderate pain may be there as it is a new surgical site. Your doctor will prescribe you painkillers post dental implant placement to help you manage any discomfort and pain associated with dental implants.
In a week or so, the gums around the implant will begin to heal, and any discomfort will be alleviated. You may feel a little different, and it may take some time for you to get adjusted to this new feeling of a dental implant in your mouth. However, it will not be painful or uncomfortable.
Once the implant heals, a dental crown, bridge or denture is placed, which can again take some time to adjust to but is not painful.
However, there are some situations where a dental implant can be painful. One such situation is the presence of infection. If proper oral hygiene is not maintained or post-operative instructions are not followed, the soft tissues around the implant can become infected. The gums may appear swollen, red, and bleed on the touch. The implant may loosen, and if not treated, it may lead to implant failure.
To ensure such situations do not arise, it is essential to follow proper post-operative care and maintain good oral hygiene.
If you have any more questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please reach out to us. Our consultation is absolutely free. Our implantologists are here to assist you in your journey to a beautiful smile and better oral health.
