Dental implant surgery is one of the most reliable and long-lasting ways to replace missing teeth. However, since this surgery involves inserting an artificial tooth root into the jawbone, it almost always causes some amount of pain. Before undergoing this surgery, many dental patients are worried about the level of pain they may experience afterward and how long it will last.
In order to understand how painful the implant process may be, it is helpful to realize what happens when a patient receives an implant. In many cases, after a patient has a natural tooth removed, but before an implant is placed, the area is prepared with a bone graft. These grafts encourage the production of new bone, which will strengthen the jawbone and help ensure the implant properly integrates with the bone.
In dental implant surgery, a patient's dental professional drills a hole into the jawbone. A metal post is placed into the hole. This metal post works as an artificial tooth root. The post needs to be given time to osseointegrate, or to allow the bone from the patient's jaw to grow through it. Although this process may often take months, it is essential for a healthy and stable implant. The abutment, which is a component to which the dental crown will be attached, usually is not placed on the post until osseointegration is complete.
Sometimes, the dentist needs to perform a smaller surgery to place the abutment. This is a minor surgery that only involves the gums. It may cause some bleeding and swelling, but pain from having the abutment placed is less severe than any pain experienced after placing the metal post.
Dental implant surgery involves trauma to both the gums and the jaw. The surgery itself should not involve any pain since the mouth will be numbed. As the numbness wears off, though, patients will often feel some level of pain.
Many dental professionals provide pain medication to help manage discomfort at the implant site. In some cases, post-surgery pain is mild enough that it can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Generally, a single implant will cause less discomfort than a surgery where multiple implants are placed. Patients will usually have pain up to 10 days after the procedure, but the pain may resolve before 10 days.
If excessive discomfort persists after the 10-day point, it is important for patients to contact a dental professional immediately. Prolonged pain may be a sign that the implant site has become infected. If this is the case, the dental professional will need to act quickly to save the implant.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implant Surgery in San Antonio, TX.
No dental patient looks forward to any type of pain. However, persons considering dental implant surgery should not let a fear of post-surgery discomfort discourage them from pursuing the procedure. Implants are designed to be a permanent tooth replacement, and once completed, the implant process will leave a patient with a beautifully restored smile.
Request an appointment or call All Smiles Dental Center at 210-714-7429 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.
Though brushing your teeth is one of the most important oral hygiene basics, flossing is just as vital. Here is how flossing can strengthen your teeth and benefit your overall health.Flossing is an essential part of your oral care routine because it removes plaque from your teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that bacteria…
Teeth brushing is one of the most important oral hygiene basics, as it removes plaque from teeth. However, the toothbrush you use can impact how effective this practice is.To optimize toothbrushing, you need to find a brush that fits your needs. Fortunately, there are many options out there.When you first learned oral hygiene basics, you…
A first impression often starts with a smile, and many people who are not satisfied with the appearance of their smile could benefit from a smile makeover. A series of dental treatments can improve both the look and health of the teeth, in addition to providing a confidence boost. In fact, it is important to…
Though brushing your teeth is one of the most important oral hygiene basics, flossing is just as vital. Here is how flossing can strengthen your teeth and benefit your overall health.Flossing is an essential part of your oral care routine because it removes plaque from your teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that bacteria…
Teeth brushing is one of the most important oral hygiene basics, as it removes plaque from teeth. However, the toothbrush you use can impact how effective this practice is.To optimize toothbrushing, you need to find a brush that fits your needs. Fortunately, there are many options out there.When you first learned oral hygiene basics, you…