Have you experienced tooth loss? If so, your dentist may have recommended that you consider getting dental implants to fill the gap in your smile, restore your chewing power, and protect your long-term oral health. That all sounds great, right? But perhaps you are reluctant to commit to the procedure because you are afraid it will be uncomfortable. After all, it does require surgery, and many patients wonder if it will hurt to get dental implants. This blog post explains what you can realistically expect.
What Does the Surgery Feel Like?
One of the first things your dental team will do during your surgical appointment is administer local anesthesia. This often requires an injection, which can cause momentary discomfort. That wears off quickly, though, and soon that area of your mouth will no longer be able to send pain signals to your brain. You might notice some mild pressure during your surgery, but you should not expect any severe or intolerable pain.
Also, keep in mind that sedation is an option for most patients. Sedation can dull your body’s response to discomfort and help you stay calm and relaxed. You might not even remember your procedure afterward!
What to Expect During Recovery
Some soreness and swelling are to be expected as you recover from your surgery. Your dentist may prescribe painkillers or recommend that you take over-the-counter medications to take the edge off your discomfort.
Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may feel well enough to ease back into your routine within just a day or two. Of course, you should listen to your body, get enough rest, and eat a soft diet that will not irritate your surgical sites.
For most people, any lingering soreness after surgery is gone within a week or two. Severe or lingering pain is not normal and might indicate a problem. Call your dentist right away if you experience strong discomfort or any other unusual symptoms.
Getting Your New Teeth
While post-op discomfort tends to go away quite quickly, it can take a few months for your jawbone to heal. During this time, it will bond with your dental implants. After this process is complete, your dentist will place your new teeth. Your gums might be a bit sore or tender afterward, but there should not be any significant pain.
Getting dental implants is much more comfortable than most people expect! Talk to your dental team to get a more detailed preview of what you may experience throughout your treatment journey.
Meet the Practice
At Torrington Dental Care, we proudly offer start-to-finish dental implant treatment in a welcoming environment. We prioritize patient comfort and offer oral sedation to make the surgical process as easy as possible. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our friendly team at 860-259-4073.