Dental implants do hurt and it is for this reason that most people are not comfortable with them because they are concerned about the issue of pain.
Honestly, this is not an uncommon situation. A lot of people are scared of going to the dentist to fix their teeth because they fear experiencing excruciating pain. But if you do not fix your dental issues, they will become worse.
In this article, we will answer one of the most common questions about
dental implants in Melbourne — do dental implants hurt? We will also show you how to handle and reduce the pain if you experience any.
Before we begin, we recommend you visit an experienced implant dentist for your dental implant surgery as this will reduce the risk of excruciating pain and future complications.
The Worst Part of Dental Implants
The worst part of dental implants is if you need to have a tooth extraction before getting implants, the pain will be different from when you are just getting implants.
You may experience pain at different stages of the treatment process.
Pain During the Procedure
The
dental implant procedure for placing dental implants involves making incisions in the gum tissue and placing the implant into the jawbone.
This is typically done under local or general anaesthesia, depending on your preference and the complexity of the case. In either case, the goal is to ensure that the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure and experiences minimal discomfort.
Anaesthesia
Using anaesthesia can make a big difference in the level of discomfort experienced during the procedure.
Local anaesthesia numbs the area around the implant site, while general anaesthesia puts the patient to sleep. The type of anaesthesia used depends on the patient’s preference, the complexity of the case, and the surgeon’s recommendation.
Surgical Site Pain
After the procedure, some level of
pain and discomfort is normal at the surgical site. This can include swelling, bruising, and tenderness.
These symptoms usually subside within a few days to a week and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, and a gentle rinse with saltwater.
Pain After the Procedure
Swelling
Swelling is a common side effect of dental implant surgery and can be managed with ice packs and pain medication. Swelling typically peaks at about 2 days after the procedure and gradually decreases over the next few days.
Bruising
Bruising is another possible side effect of dental implant surgery, and can be more noticeable in people with thin or fair skin. It typically subsides within a few days to a week. You can manage it with over-the-counter pain medication and a gentle saltwater rinse.
Pain During Healing
After the procedure, the implant will heal and integrate with the jawbone. During this time, you will most likely experience some level of discomfort, but it will subside over time. Pain medication can help manage any discomfort, and the healing process usually takes a few months.
Pain Medication
The implant dentist or oral surgeon can prescribe pain medication to help you manage any discomfort during the healing process. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as Ibuprofen, can be effective
Healing Time
The length of the healing process depends on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, the location and number of implants, and the patient’s ability to follow instructions. The healing process typically takes a few months, and the implant will be fully functional after this time.
Chewing Pain
You may experience discomfort when chewing after the implant has healed and integrated with the jawbone. The major cause can be that the implant is rubbing against the gum tissue or by pressure on the implant from chewing. This can typically be resolved with adjustments to the bite or the implant itself.
Cold Weather Pain
Additionally, you may become sensitive to cold temperatures after dental implant surgery. But this is usually temporary and will subside over time.
Permanent Pain
In rare cases, dental implants can cause permanent pain. This can be caused by nerve damage,
dental infection, or other complications. You can prevent these complications through regular dental check-ups and maintenance.
Also, ensure you visit an experienced dentist who can handle your implant procedure with ease.
Caring For Dental Implants
Since
dental implants work just like your natural teeth, they do not require a complicated maintenance routine. You can simply care for them the way you do for your natural teeth.
1. Regular Cleaning
Proper
dental implants aftercare and maintenance are essential for the longevity and success of dental implants. This includes regular cleaning and brushing, as well as regular check-ups with the dentist. The dentist can check for any signs of infection or other complications in your mouth and make any necessary adjustments to the implant.
Replacing Old Implants
Dental implants can last for many years, but they may eventually need to be replaced. The longevity of dental implants will depend on several factors, including the quality of the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and the amount of stress you place on the implant.
Do Dental Implants Last Forever?
Dental implants are designed to last for decades. Because they are permanently fixed, they can last for many years. You may even forget you have artificial teeth.
Durability of Implants
Dental implants are a durable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth, but you may still need to replace them. It is possible that your implants can get worn out over time, especially if you have a bad lifestyle that affects your oral health.
Material Quality
The quality of the material used for dental implants can affect their longevity. High-quality materials, such as titanium, are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Proper Care
Regular check-ups and maintenance can help extend the life of dental implants and ensure they continue to function properly.
FAQs
1. What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed or removable replacement teeth.
2. How Long Does it Take to Get Dental Implants?
It can take several months to get the dental implant process, including the initial consultation, placement of the implant, healing time, and final restoration.
3. Is the Procedure for Dental Implants Painful?
Dental implant pain is not severe. Experiencing some level of pain and discomfort after surgery is normal, but it should subside over time. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help soothe any discomfort.
4. What are the Side Effects of Dental Implants?
The side effects of dental implants may include swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort at the surgical site. You will need a recommended pain reliever to deal with the side effects.
5. How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of dental implants depends on the number of implants needed, the type of restoration used, and other factors.
6. Can Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implants can fail although
dental implants are one of the safest dental procedures, the risk is low. If you have an insufficient jawbone, you will need bone graft surgery before the implant treatment.
7. Is it Possible to Get an Infection After Getting Dental Implants?
You may get an infection but it is rare and can be prevented with proper care and maintenance.
8. How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants can last for many years. But you may eventually need to replace them.
9. Can You Eat Normally After Getting Dental Implants?
You can eat normally after getting dental implants. But you may need to
avoid hard or crunchy foods for a short period while the implant is healing.
10. What are the Maintenance Requirements for Dental Implants?
Dental implants require regular cleaning and maintenance, as well as regular check-ups with your dentist.
11. What if the Implant Hurts After the Procedure?
If you feel any pain after the procedure, speak with your dentist to determine the cause and find a solution.
12. What is the Success Rates for Dental Implants?
Dental implants have a high success rate, especially in Australia. However, you need to take oral hygiene seriously to avoid any future complications. But you should know that there are few cases of dental implant failure, especially if the dentist is not qualified.
13. How Long Does it Take to Recover from Dental Implant Surgery?
The
dental implant recovery time after surgery can vary. But you can resume normal activities within a few days to a week. As the gums heal, the surgical site becomes less fragile.
Conclusion
Dental implants can provide a long-lasting and durable solution for missing teeth. But the main question now is “Does getting a dental implant surgery hurt?” Many people are concerned about the pain associated with the procedure. It is normal to experience pain after the procedure but it will reduce as time passes.
You can handle the pain with dentist-recommended or over-the-counter pain medication. Also, never neglect proper dental care and maintenance, it helps extend your dental implants’ lifespan and give you a natural-looking smile.
If you are considering dental implants, you can contact us –
Glenferrie Dental to get further information and understand what to expect and how to manage any discomfort.
