Does It Hurt to Receive Dental Implants?

Are you struggling with moderate to severe tooth loss? One of the most popular and effective ways to renew your smile is with dental implants. These titanium posts can be inserted directly into your jaw, preserving your bone tissue and providing a strong foundation for your restorations. However, some people may hesitate to undergo the treatment because they’re worried it will hurt. Keep reading to learn what you should expect during and after the dental implant procedure.

How Does the Dental Implant Process Work?

To get dental implants, you’ll have to undergo a minor surgical procedure. The metal posts will be constructed out of titanium and appear like small screws. During your appointment, your implants will be inserted precisely into your jawbone, serving as the new permanent roots. Your dentist will ensure that the surgical site is completely numbed with a local anesthetic beforehand, meaning you shouldn’t feel any discomfort throughout the procedure. The jawbone also doesn’t have many nerve endings, so any pain you might experience should be minimal.  

Thanks to advanced dental technology, your team will be able to map out the entire process before beginning any work. This means your treatment can be more predictable with an increased chance of success. Once the implant is properly placed, your dentist will close your gums around it and fit a cap on top to keep it protected while you recover over the next several months.

How Will Your Dental Implants Feel Afterward?

Your mouth will be numbed before undergoing your surgery, so you shouldn’t feel any discomfort during your procedure. Once your appointment is over, you may experience some swelling and soreness for a few days. That said, you likely won’t feel the implants in your jawbone, as they’re designed to replace your permanent tooth roots. Any discomfort you experience can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications and a cold compress. After the 3^rd or 5^th day, any uncomfortable sensations should begin to subside.

How Will They Feel Once You’ve Recovered?

After osseointegration is completed, meaning your dental implants are completely fused with your jawbone, your new pearly whites should feel very natural. Since the bone tissue will provide a stable foundation for your restorations, it’ll feel as though you have your permanent teeth again. This is something you won’t find with more traditional tooth replacement options, as they aren’t supported via the jawbone. Dental implants also help you regain 80% or more of your natural biting power, meaning you can eat comfortably without worrying about accidental slippage.

While you might experience some minor discomfort during your healing period, you shouldn’t feel a thing throughout the procedure itself. Once you’ve recovered, you’ll be free to enjoy your healthy and comfortable smile again!

About the Author

Dr. Idan Snapir earned his dental degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has over two decades of experience under his belt. He also regularly seeks continuing education to refine his skills and expertise. He provides a wide range of advanced and comprehensive services, including dental implants. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call 818-392-5816.