Are Dental Implants Painful?
Tooth loss leaves unsightly gaps in the smile, compromises oral functions, and threatens the structure of the mouth and jaw. Fortunately, dental implants address all of those concerns by providing durable replacements for the crowns and roots of missing teeth. Dental implants are the closest replica to the natural teeth, so they are the preferred treatment method for tooth loss.
While dental implants offer many benefits, is it common for tooth loss patients to worry, “are dental implants painful?” Doctors from Fairfax Family Dental Care in Fairfax, VA, prepare their patients for the amount of discomfort they may experience throughout dental implant treatment and recovery.
Pain During Dental Implant Placement
Dental implants are placed through an oral surgery procedure. During treatment a small incision is made in the gum tissues and a hole is drilled in the jaw bone where loss has occurred. The implant is placed into this hole in the jaw. Following treatment dental implants will gradually fuse with the bone tissues so that they can act as an anchor for dental restorations. This can sound like an intimidating surgical procedure, so it is natural to worry about pain during dental implant treatment.
The good news is, dental implant surgery is straightforward, and it should be pain-free for our Fairfax patients. Dental implant surgery is performed with the patient under the effects of local anesthetic or general anesthesia (depending on each patient’s unique needs). This ensures that patients remain completely comfortable throughout their procedure. If patients happen to experience any discomfort, they should alert the surgeon so that anesthetic can be adjusted as needed.
Pain During Dental Implant Recovery
Although patients should not feel any pain during their dental implant procedure, they may experience discomfort in the days following treatment. It is common for our Fairfax patients to experience side effects like inflammation, tenderness, and general soreness, all of which can translate into minor pain.
Fortunately, most patients do not describe their pain level as intolerable. On a scale of one to 10, pain levels following dental implant surgery usually fall around two or three. Discomfort is generally the most intense during the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery and then begins to improve from there.
Tips to Minimize Discomfort
Discomfort after dental implant surgery should not be too severe and is usually easy to manage. Our doctors are happy to provide post-surgical care tips that should help patients minimize dental implant discomfort even further.
- Allow yourself plenty of time to rest
- Avoid excessive movement of the jaw
- Eat soft foods or liquids as instructed by the doctor
- Use over-the-counter pain medication as needed
- Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the cheeks near the treatment site
- Rinse the mouth with warm salt water several times throughout the day
Contact Fairfax Family Dental Care
If you have experienced adult tooth loss, dental implants can restore the strength, function, and beauty of your smile. To learn more about this revolutionary tooth loss treatment, contact our dental practice online, or call (703) 385-0303 and schedule an appointment.