Posted January 15, 2025 in Dental Implant
Dental implants are one of the most effective solutions for replacing missing teeth, providing durability, restoring functionality, and offering a natural appearance. However, as with many dental procedures, many potential patients worry about the pain associated with getting dental implants. In this blog, we’ll discuss what to expect from every phase of the dental implant procedure and recovery, as well as how to manage any discomfort from your dental implants.
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What to Expect From Each Phase of Your Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are placed in phases, and the process takes about three to six months from start to finish. Below, we explain each phase of the dental implant process, including whether or not pain or discomfort is involved.
Initial Consultation
The first step in the dental implant procedure is an appointment with your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Your dentist will perform a comprehensive exam, assessing your oral health and taking X-rays or other scans to get a good idea of the state of your jawbone in the area of the missing tooth. Once the exam is complete, they will talk with you about your options and a recommended treatment plan.
The consultation phase of your dental implants is completely painless.
Preparation for Dental Implant Placement
In some cases, you may be a candidate for dental implants, but in order for the implant procedure to be successful, you must undergo some preparatory treatments. If the dental implant is replacing a broken tooth, extraction of that tooth is needed to make room for the new implant. If you have one or more teeth that have been missing for a while, you have likely experienced bone loss. In fact, studies show that you can lose up to 25% of the bone mass in your jaw within just one year. To ensure that your jawbone can provide a solid foundation for your dental implants, you will undergo bone grafts.
Tooth extraction or bone grafts may involve minor discomfort, so local anesthesia or sedation ensures any pain is minimized throughout the procedure. After surgery, you may experience mild swelling and tenderness, which are easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Dental Implant Placement
The actual placement of the dental implant involves inserting a titanium post into your jawbone. This surgical procedure is performed using local or general anesthesia or sedation, depending on your needs. During the procedure, patients may feel pressure and vibrations instead of pain.
After the implant is placed, the next step of the dental implant process begins. Over the next three to six months, your jawbone heals and grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration.
While some tenderness and swelling are expected during the first few days after your implant placement, any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and by following your dentist’s aftercare instructions.
Abutment and Crown Placement
Once your dental implant has fully integrated into your jawbone, an abutment (connector piece) is attached to the implant, followed by the placement of a custom-created dental crown.
Abutment and crown placement are minimally invasive and typically cause little to no discomfort.
How to Manage Discomfort While Healing from Dental Implant Surgery
It’s typical to experience mild discomfort, swelling, and tenderness around the treatment area in the first few days following implant placement. These symptoms are an expected part of the healing process and typically subside within a week.
To manage any discomfort after your dental implant surgery, your dentist may recommend the following pain relief options:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Prescription pain medication
- Ice packs to reduce swelling
- Soft foods to minimize stress on the implant site
Your dentist will provide you with instructions for caring for your mouth after implant placement. It is important to follow these instructions precisely to reduce discomfort and fort but also to ensure that the implant heals properly. Some of the instructions may include practicing good oral hygiene to prevent infection and avoiding nicotine, which can hinder healing.
Tips for a Comfortable Dental Implant Recovery
- Stay ahead of the pain: Take pain relievers as instructed, even before discomfort sets in.
- Apply ice or cold compresses: Applying ice packs to the outside of your face helps reduce swelling and ease pain.
- Eat soft foods: Stick to foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies to avoid irritating the implant site.
- Practice excellent oral hygiene: Keep the dental implant site clean to prevent infection and encourage healing.
- Rest and relax: Even though getting dental implants may not seem strenuous, it is still surgery, and your body needs rest and time to recover.
Explore Your Dental Implant Options in Las Cruces, NM
When you have one or more missing teeth, it can not only affect your confidence in your appearance and how you interact with others but also the function of your mouth. Missing teeth can make it difficult to bite or chew properly and even affect your speech. When you undergo a dental implant procedure performed by the experts at Gentle Care Dentistry in Las Cruces, NM, we work to ensure that the process goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, restoring functionality and beauty to your smile.
To schedule a dental implant consultation, call our office today at (575) 524-3722 or complete our online contact form.