Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
A common misconception surrounding dental implants is that the procedure is painful. This erroneous thinking can lead some patients to dismiss this option, which is unfortunate because implants are one of the best possible options for tooth replacement.
Due to advancements in implant technology and dentistry, implants are becoming the go-to option for natural-looking and maintenance-free artificial teeth. At Alegria Dental Care, Dr. Stefanie Sunnes uses the most advanced materials and techniques for a comfortable treatment.
Is the implant procedure painful?
It's normal that you'd be concerned about pain with any surgery, and patients frequently have added anxiety when undergoing dental surgery. But Dr. Sunnes can use various means to keep you comfortable during the procedure, ranging from general to local anesthesia. She discusses these anesthesia options with you beforehand to establish the appropriate degree of pain management for you.
Most patients experience minimal to no discomfort throughout the procedure. Afterwards, you might experience some soreness, in which case you'll have pain relief accessible. Dr. Sunnes will follow up with you after the procedure to watch for any complications.
What to expect during the procedure
The surgical procedure involves the insertion of a titanium implant into the bone through the gums -- which sounds painful. However, many patients are surprised to find out that surgical placement of a dental implant is easier than a tooth extraction. Anesthesia keeps you comfortable while Dr. Sunnes does the work. To complete your dental implant, an abutment is attached to the implant to connect your artificial tooth to the structure.
Myths surrounding dental implants
There are numerous misconceptions that patients have about dental implants. We’d like to put those to rest by exposing the myths and providing the real story.
Myth #1: Dental implants are uncomfortable
Most people report that the overall discomfort during the implant procedure is less than they anticipated. We’ve already discussed that you’ll have anesthesia during the surgery.
The healing period related to dental implants may take several months, as the bone tissue fuses around the titanium post in your jawbone. After your implant is in place and has healed, you won’t have any discomfort or other sensations that make it feel different from your other teeth. You may even forget you have an implant.
Myth #2: Dental implants don't look natural
Actually, implants are the most natural-looking tooth replacement option. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are permanently set in your mouth, so they don’t shift their positions or rub your gums. The visible portion of a dental implant is the crown, which is built from high-grade ceramic that resembles your tooth enamel’s natural gleam and is color-matched to your other teeth. So not only do implants look natural, they function just like regular teeth.
Myth #3: My body may reject dental implants
While it is a rare occurence, the fact is that the rejection of dental implants is extremely unlikely. Overall, the implant procedure success rate is more than 98%.
If the thought of getting a dental implant seemed scary because you thought it was painful, now you know better. To schedule a consultation to discuss dental implants with Dr. Sunnes, just call our Houston office, or click the “book online” button.
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