Dental implants have obvious advantages over other types of tooth replacement options. However, the fact that it is a surgical operation may cause concern and nervousness for many patients. One common question many people considering dental implants have is “how much pain will I have to go through to get implants?”
To answer this question, it’s important to understand the different phases of getting an implant. The first phase is the initial comprehensive exam. During this phase, Dr. Matt Slaven will take X-Rays and photos of your teeth to understand the exact condition of your teeth, and what the best treatment option will be. During this phase, you will experience little to no pain.
The second phase is the initial surgery, where an artificial titanium root will be placed into your jaw. This surgical procedure involves making an incision on the gum and then placing a metal implant into the jawbone. Once placed, the gums are then sutured using stitches. Once the operation is done, you must wait three to six months for the implant to heal and become fused with the jawbone.
During this second phase, you may experience some pain and discomfort. During the surgery itself, you will not feel anything as you will receive local anesthesia (or potentially be sedated). However, after the surgery, you will likely feel discomfort once the anesthesia wears off. In particular, you may feel pain in the chin, cheeks, or underneath the eyes. Over-the-counter painkillers are usually enough to manage the discomfort. We recommend rinsing out your mouth gently with warm saltwater for the first few days following the surgery, as well as only eating soft foods.
The last phase of getting a dental implant is placing the crown on to the metal implant. This is usually done in a minor outpatient procedure with local anesthesia. There may be some slight discomfort around the implant for a couple of days.
Overall, dental implants have a relatively similar pain level to that of body piercings. While there may be some discomfort upfront, the benefits of a permanent teeth replacement will last the rest of your life.
