If you have heard of some of the benefits of dental implants, such as jawbone stimulation and device stability, you may be excited about the prospect of having one or more of your missing teeth replaced. Nevertheless, you may be concerned about the pain associated with the implant surgery and your recovery.
Here is a bit of information to help you learn what to expect when it comes to discomfort and your dental implants.
Discomfort During the Placement of a Dental Implant
During the placement of a dental implant, the dentist numbs the area of implantation using local anesthesia. You may feel an uncomfortable prick during the application of the anesthetic. However, the dentist does not insert the implant until the area is completely numb.
Because the area is numb as the dentist makes the incision into your gingival tissue and drills the dental implant into the bone of the jaw, the implantation procedure itself is painless. Additionally, the bone of the jaw does not contain nerves that relay pain signals. As a result, you may feel a bit of pressure as your dental implant is placed, but you should not feel any true discomfort.
If you are having multiple dental implants placed during the same surgical session, your dentist may use general anesthesia. When general anesthesia is used, you sleep soundly throughout the implantation procedure. Nevertheless, you may still receive a local anesthetic to ensure that you experience no discomfort upon waking.
Discomfort During the Recovery
Once a numbing medication wears off, you may feel some degree of tenderness around the implantation site. Still, the sensation should recede after a few days. To help minimize the discomfort, your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
If you feel pain after a few days, you should consult with your dentist to ensure that there are no complications.
Your dental implant wound takes a few months to heal completely. Nevertheless, keep in mind that this healing process is not painful. The healing process of an implant wound is called osseointegration. As it takes place, the implanted device integrates painlessly with the tissue of the jawbone.
So, if your dentist suggests the restriction of your diet after your implantation surgery, it is not to control discomfort. Instead, it is to prevent the implant from shifting within the bone. The implant needs to remain undisturbed in its original position to allow osseointegration to occur properly.
For more information about implant dentistry and what to expect, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your area.
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