“Are dental implants painful”? It’s a common question that many patients ask.
Imagine sitting down to eat dinner, and after the first bite, you experience the most excruciating pain and discomfort that you’ve ever felt. You contact your dentist to find out what is causing the pain. The dentist breaks the news that you have a severe tooth infection and will need to have the teeth removed as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, this infection is in the front top teeth, known as your central incisors. The thought of removing these teeth is more painful than the discomfort you are experiencing. How will you ever smile again? The dentist explains that you’re a good candidate for dental implants. It’s a welcome option that promises to save you from the trauma of losing two of your most important teeth.
This is only one of many scenarios where dental implants can come to the rescue. From injuries to poor oral hygiene to aging, dental implants (or “tooth implants”) offer many patients a solution to tooth loss. Are tooth implants painful? Read on to discover what dental implant procedures are really like and how dental technology is making it easier for patients to achieve that perfect smile.
What is the Dental Implant Procedure?
Dr. McOmber will provide you with an initial evaluation to ensure you don’t have underlying medical conditions that might prevent you from being a good candidate for dental implants.
If all is well, the specialist will proceed with the first surgery. This will involve screwing an implant post into the jaw bone. A few months later, after the implant is incorporated into the jaw bone effectively, the dentist will add an abutment, followed by a crown.
Are Tooth Implants Painful?
This entire process sounds like it could be painful. But you might be surprised to learn that the pain some people experience from dental implants is not as bad as the procedure sounds. In fact, many are shocked to learn that in some cases, you will feel little pain from dental implants or won’t feel any pain at all and may not even need pain medication.
Dental implant procedures often involve both local anesthesia (the kind that numbs the area) and a form of general anesthesia (either light sedation or sleep). After the procedure, patients often feel only minor discomfort, if any. Generally, all that is needed post-implant is over-the-counter pain medication to reduce pain. The experience of the dentist plays a role in your comfort level, which is why it is important to choose a dentist who is skilled and experienced in dental implants.
Tooth Implants – Traditional vs Innovative Method
Traditional Method
The traditional method involves giving the patient a local anesthetic, cutting the gums at the implant site, and peeling them back to expose the jawbone. The oral surgeon will then input the implants after making this incision. Once the specialist completes the procedure and stitches the gums, your gums will need to heal. This methodology typically causes dental implant pain. After the local anesthesia wears off, the dental specialist will recommend medications that dull the pain as the wound heals.
Our Innovative Method
Many oral hygienists are adopting much more innovative practices. Having more detailed X-ray machines that take 2 and 3-D photos of the jaw allows dental specialists to see exactly where they need to put the implant. Therefore, there is no need to make an incision. Instead, the specialist may make a precise punch, place the implant in its exact location, and proceed with the process as usual. This implant procedure involves minimal pain, if any.
Looking for Dental Implants in Monmouth County, NJ?
Reach out to McOmber Dental to learn more about dental implants. Our own Dr. Nathalie McOmber and Dr. Kenneth Gluck make patient comfort a top priority and are skilled in successfully using dental implants to give patients back their smile.