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Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option. If you have a missing tooth, dental implants can help restore your smile! Dentists often recommend dental implants because they look, feel and function just like your natural teeth. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime and patients will enjoy a new and improved smile.
Surgery is part of this treatment and many people do not consider this option because of fear. It’s natural to wonder about the level of pain associated with this surgery. The more you know, the better you will feel about the process and it’s important to have the right information from a reputable dentist.
An understanding of the process will eliminate a lot of your fear. Patients will be numbed with local anesthesia and the dentist will not start the procedure until the tooth area is completely numb. The dentist will create a space in your gums and jawbone for the titanium post and will insert it. Once it is secure, a cap will be placed on top to keep it safe while it heals for the next few months. Some patients may need a stitch or two to help their gums heal.
Local anesthesia is part of the process. It will numb the nerves surrounding the dental implant area which means you will not feel any pain during your dental implant procedure. At times, you may feel pressure, but this should not result in pain. Patients who suffer from severe anxiety may require oral sedation to get through this procedure. In most cases, anticipating the pain causes more fear than the actual dental ache itself. Being properly informed can help eliminate fear.
Pain after the Surgery
Some discomfort is normal after your dental implant procedure, and it can last for a few days. This pain is entirely manageable, however. You may also experience tenderness in the cheeks, chin and under the eyes. Your dentist may recommend regular painkillers like ibuprofen.
You can use ice packs to decrease signs of swelling. You must eat soft foods after your surgery and rinse your mouth gently using warm water and a bit of salt. This will help soothe the gum tissues and provide immediate relief.
This surgery involves inserting an artificial tooth root into the jawbone and will almost always cause some amount of pain after the surgery. This is temporary however and dental implant surgery is one of the most reliable and permanent ways to replace missing teeth.
Are you a good candidate for this treatment?
A Chatham dentist will first have to determine if you are a suitable candidate for this treatment. You may be a good candidate for dental implants if you are missing one or more teeth. Some patients may need an additional step or two before dental implant surgery, however.
When you lose a tooth, the surrounding bone starts to deteriorate. To get a dental implant, you need enough bone to support the post and if your tooth has been missing for a while, you may not have enough bone remaining. A bone graft may be necessary in these situations. This procedure uses bone grafting material to build up enough bone structure for a dental implant.
Dental implant surgery is not as complicated as you think. Many patients are pleasantly surprised at how simple this procedure is. Most patients can return to work or school the next day and if you feel soreness, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil. You must avoid hard foods after your surgery, and you can use ice packs to help with swelling.
It can take anywhere from four to six months for a dental implant to fuse with your bone. Once it is fully healed, your dentist will proceed with a crown restoration which will look just like a natural tooth.
Improve Your Smile at Chatham Family Dental
Do you have questions regarding dental implants? Chatham Family Dental will address your concerns and provide you with answers. We specialize in dental implants and our dentist will discuss your dental goals and concerns. If you are looking for an experienced dentist in Chatham, contact our office today to schedule a dental implant consultation!
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