Your dentist might have recommended dental implants as the replacement option for your missing tooth. Although there are multiple fake teeth alternatives, implants stand out as the best ones. However, the procedure involves drilling a titanium screw into the jaw — which sounds painful. So, is a dental implant painful?
We’ll give you a detailed explanation of what happens during the procedure. Your oral surgeon will numb the area before performing the procedure. This means that you will feel little to no pain during the surgery. Nonetheless, the pain might occur after the surgery.
Is Dental Implant Surgery Painful?
Knowing what goes on during the procedure will help you understand if it will hurt or not. You need a tooth implant after your permanent tooth is extracted. Many times, the oral surgeon will perform a bone graft to prepare the area. Then, the implant surgery takes place when the area is ready. We will go through each step in detail to help you learn what happens during dental implant surgery:
1. The Tooth is Extracted
You’ll need a tooth extraction before the procedure. It’s possible that the tooth was removed long before the surgery. Or perhaps, your tooth can cause further dental issues, so the dentist will extract it.
2. Performing Bone Graft
With a bone grafting procedure, your jawbone can strengthen since it encourages the production of new bone. Sometimes a dental implant might require bone graft for strengthening the jaw. Moreover, bone grafts help the implant integrate with the bone. You need a strong jaw to hold the dental implant; thus, you’ll need a bone graft if your jawbone is thin or soft.
3. Dental Implant Surgery
After the bone graft, it will be time for your dental implant surgery. First, the oral surgeon will numb the area, so you don’t feel any discomfort. The procedure starts with the dental professional drilling a hole in your jawbone to place the tooth implant. The purpose of the hole is to hold the metal post, which is usually made from titanium. This metal post will work as an artificial tooth root.
4. Osseointegration
Now, your jaw bone would need some time to osseointegrate with the metal post. This part of the process is crucial because your body needs to get used to the fake tooth root. Furthermore, it can take months for the osseointegration to complete. You can get a healthy and stable implant if this process works out fine.
5. Placement of Abutment
The dental implant and the metal post will need a connector, which is why your oral surgeon will place the abutment. Sometimes, minor surgery is required to attach the abutment. Although the area is numb, this part of dental implant surgery might be slightly painful.
After the Implant Surgery
Since you’re under the anesthetic for dental implant surgery, it will not be that painful. Still, the site might hurt after the numbness wears off. This is because the procedure involves work on your gums and jaw. Hence, it might cause discomfort. Your oral surgeon will recommend medication for any pain or discomfort you experience.
Other than this, the procedure might be more painful if you get multiple dental implants instead of one. In any case, the discomfort should subside after 10 days. Your oral surgeon can guide you better on the dental implant healing time and process. Consult your dentist in case you feel discomfort after the implant surgery.
What to Do?
To conclude, a dental implant is not painful as your mouth is numbed during the procedure. You might experience pain after the surgery, as it involves trauma to your gums and jaw. Our Katy Cypress Oral Surgery team can help you stay on top of your oral health. Drop by our clinic at 6155 N. Fry Road, Suite 600, Katy, TX 77449. You can also book an appointment by dialing (281) 667-0607.