Implants can be one of the best restorative solutions for people with tooth loss. By imitating the structure of natural teeth, implants offer increased stability and durability and foster the health of the jawbone. However, patients often feel a little nervous before visiting the oral surgeon in 33026 to get an implant.
There’s a common misconception that implants are very painful—when, in actuality, the discomfort can be similar to losing a tooth. Additionally, there are various things you can do to manage any discomfort and ensure a comfortable implant journey.
During dental implant surgery, a surgeon opens the tissue in your mouth and inserts one or more titanium rods into the bone beneath your gums. This gives a replacement false tooth a permanent root, but it makes sense why people may believe the process is painful.
However, you shouldn’t experience any pain during dental implant surgery because you will be under local anesthesia. Slight discomfort may only be present for a few days after, during the healing process.
Some indicators to expect include:
Immediately after implant surgery, you’ll experience the most discomfort, especially once the sedation’s effects die down.
Common symptoms include mild to moderate pain, swelling of the cheeks or jaw, and possible bruising or tightness near the surgical area. The pain will usually feel like a throbbing or dull ache.
To manage it, you can:
After day three, the pain and swelling should decrease. Still, you may notice tenderness or discomfort when chewing or touching the area.
After a few weeks, pain will already be a thing of the past, but the gum tissue will still be healing. Mild soreness during brushing is common. You may also feel tight in the area, especially if a bone graft was performed.
One month after the operation, there should be no more pain or swelling. Chewing, brushing, and speaking should feel natural.
Remember that the full integration of the implant is still in progress. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as these activities can impact the osseointegration of your implant post.
Nowadays, even general dentists conduct implant placements. However, to reduce discomfort, going to an oral surgeon may be the best decision.
After dental school, oral surgeons complete 4–6 years of hospital-based surgical residency. We have a deep understanding of your mouth’s anatomy and intensive training to be as little invasive as possible when placing your implant post. Less trauma in the area equals less post-op swelling, bleeding, and pain.
If you’d like to learn more about the implant process with an oral surgeon, reach out!
Worrying before an important dental procedure is normal—in fact, we encourage it, as it shows that we care about your oral health. Asking questions, expressing your doubts, and reaching out to your oral surgeon at Village Square Dental helps lay the groundwork for a more successful implant journey.
While some discomfort is to be expected, you can manage it by following your dentist’s aftercare instructions. If you’re suffering from extreme pain, reach out! It may be a sign of infection in the implant area.