Dental implants are widely considered to be the “gold standard” in tooth replacement, so it’s no wonder that around 5 million are placed each year. But while people love the natural look and feel they get from implants, it’s common to be concerned about whether the implant procedure is painful. Keep reading below to find out what you can expect from getting dental implants in Harris County and why it’s a lot easier than you might expect!
Does It Hurt To Get Dental Implants?
It’s understandable to see why getting a dental implant would seem painful, but the truth is that it’s easier than having a tooth pulled. An implant surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours per implant, and the first step is making sure you’re completely numb so you won’t feel any pain. There are also multiple sedation options that make it possible for fearful or anxious patients to stay comfortable throughout their appointment.
What Is Dental Implant Surgery Like?
The process for getting dental implants in Harris County is spread out over several months. The first step is the surgery to place the implant itself (which is a titanium post) in the jaw. Here are the basic steps involved:
- After administering local anesthesia, a small incision will be made in your gum tissue.
- Then the implant will be placed in the jaw where the root of your natural tooth once was.
- Next, a healing cap is put over the implant to protect it over the next several months, and stitches are placed in the gums.
Afterward, you can expect mild to moderate tenderness and swelling, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen. Many dentists recommend taking 1 to 2 days off from work to rest and recover. You’ll also get post-operative care instructions for how to care for the implant site. To help everything heal as smoothly as possible, follow these guidelines carefully and be sure to keep the area clean.
Most of the healing from the initial procedure is complete in 7-14 days. From there, the implant will be given between 3-6 months to integrate, or fuse, with the surrounding jawbone. Lastly, a custom-made crown will be made to match the shape and color of your natural teeth. Once it’s attached to your new implant, your new tooth will be complete.
Dental implants offer outstanding benefits after tooth loss and they’re one of the best investments you’ll ever make in your oral health. And now that you know the procedure is a lot less scary than it seems, you can move forward with confidence.
About the Author
Dr. Alan Arrington is a dentist in Harris County who loves helping people achieve great oral health after tooth loss. As a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, he has extensive postgraduate training in implant dentistry and provides outstanding care through every step of the procedure. If you’d like to know more about getting dental implants or have any questions, he can be reached via his website.
