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Is A Dental Implant Painful? Understand the Specifics of the Surgery

Is A Dental Implant Painful? Understand the Specifics of the Surgery

by Pearl Dental Care Team | Mar 27, 2023

For those seeking a secure and effective method of replacing missing teeth, dental implant surgery is an ideal solution. Through the insertion of titanium-based artificial roots into the jawbone along with an accompanying abutment and crown, this procedure ensures durable results that last for many years to come.

Naturally, patients may be apprehensive regarding potential postoperative pain levels as well as their duration; however, by educating oneself on the specifics of dental implant surgery ahead of time, you can effectively prepare yourself mentally for what lies ahead.

The procedure for getting dental implants

Detailed Examination

Your dentist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to evaluate your overall health and the state of your jawbone. This preliminary evaluation before the dental implant procedure involves X-rays, blood tests, tooth impressions and other diagnostics. You must also provide details regarding your medical background, such as any illnesses you have suffered from in the past or medication you are currently taking. Your dentist will discuss with you specifics about how many teeth need to be replaced and whether or not this procedure is suitable for you depending on certain factors like bone grafting, which may be needed before proceeding with the dental implantation process.

Tooth Extraction

To ensure your mouth is healthy before any surgery, your dentist will extract any damaged teeth with an added dose of a local anesthetic to numb the area. Unless your natural teeth are fractured or broken, tooth extraction shouldn’t take too long and be done cautiously so surrounding tissue stays unharmed. Following the procedure, you’ll receive post-extraction instructions to reduce potential pain or dry sockets from occurring.

Inserting the implant and bone grafting

If your dentist has decided that your gums and jawbone are in satisfactory condition for the implant, he can move forward with the implant process. However, if there is an issue with the bone’s thickness or any other issues arise, then a bone graft must be performed to compensate. This procedure entails taking some of your own dental tissue from another part of your mouth and placing it where needed. The healing process post bone grafting procedure usually takes 3-4 months before you can start on implants again.

The placement of the abutment and crown

Following your implant’s recovery, your surgeon will fit an abutment on the implant and attach a crown. A bit of local anesthesia is used to make sure you feel nothing but mild pressure while they place the abutment.

How long does the pain last after a dental implant?

Though it can be difficult to anticipate the level of pain that entails dental implant surgery, this shouldn’t deter you from getting them. You may experience some degree of discomfort, swelling or ache during and post-procedure; however, this is only temporary while your implants will last a lifetime! During the first week after receiving dental implants, you might feel sensitivity in the area where they are placed. But don’t worry – by week two, most patients report decreased tenderness as their gum tissue begins to heal.

Why are dental implants painful?

Pain after dental implants can be caused by many factors, some of which are outlined below:

Loose cap

If the cap on the dental implant is not placed properly or isn’t an appropriate size, it can lead to pain post-implantation.

Post-surgical infection

For those struggling with ongoing discomfort after a dental implant, infection in the gum tissue may be to blame. Fortunately, it can easily be treated through a comprehensive regimen of antibiotics.

Loose implants

If the dental implants are not securely anchored to your jawbone, they may loosen and cause excruciating pain.

Nerve damage

If a nerve is not handled carefully during the implant placement process, it can unleash intense and discomforting sensations of pain.

Autoimmune diseases

Before you opt for the implant surgery, be sure to alert your dentist of any autoimmune disease you may have, as the body can potentially reject it after a few months. Taking this precaution is vital to avoid complications related to an autoimmune condition and ensure successful results!

5 tips to manage dental implant pain after surgery

Even though pain after the dental implant isn’t excruciating, it is still important to know how to manage it. Keep the following tips in mind for your ease.

You can take over-the-counter pain medication to curb the pain from the soreness during the first few days of the surgery. Your local drugstore will have ibuprofen, paracetamol and Diclofenac Sodium etc., for dental pain relief. Do not take pain medications with an empty stomach, as this may cause nausea and vomiting.
Take soft and cold food to give comfort to your gums. Hot and hard food can irritate the site of the implant. You can take yogurt, ice cream, smoothies etc.
Give rest to your jaw and body to recover from the procedure. Avoid talking much while the soreness lasts.
Follow your dentist’s advice and use all the medicines, mouthwashes or oral gels as per prescription.
Smoking is one of the primary reasons for dental implant failure. The toxic particles of tobacco inflame the gums and prevent the growth of healthy tissue resulting in pain and a failed procedure.

How is pain liked to tooth implant failure?

If your discomfort intensifies and continues after a month or more, this could be an indication of underlying dental implant failure. This happens when the implant does not properly bond with the jawbone, resulting in a loose implant that can cause severe nerve damage in the area. To prevent further consequences from happening, it is necessary to visit your dentist immediately to discuss potential treatment for this issue.

If you are suffering from dental implant pain, then don’t wait any longer! Contact our friendly dentists at Pearl Dental Care on (02) 9158 6312 for professional assistance.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

Everything to know about dental implant procedure
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-procedure

Dental Implants
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants

How Long Does The Dental implant Procedure Take From Start To Finish?

How Long Does The Dental implant Procedure Take From Start To Finish?

by Pearl Dental Care Team | Oct 24, 2022

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. The procedure can take several months to complete, and the results are definitely worth the wait! But how long does a dental implant procedure take from start to finish? You’ll need to confirm with a dentist that offers consultation appointments, but here’s a look at each stage of the dental implant process—from the initial examination to the final placement of the implant.

The *Dental Implant Process: From Start to Finish***

Besides the healing time, most surgical procedures are deemed finished after the surgery. However, that isn’t the case with dental implants. In fact, one of the most crucial parts of the process is just beginning once the implants are placed—and it is vital to the success of the dental implant procedure.

Broadly, the dental implant process consists of three stages—the initial consultation, the implant surgery and the attachment of the artificial tooth. However, the exact nature of the process may not be the same for everyone, and additional steps may be required before or after the implant surgery. These will affect how long the procedure takes to complete.

For example, dental implant surgery must be performed on a healthy mouth. Thus, the dentist will treat these first if there are signs of active gum disease or tooth decay. Additionally, if the jawbone is not dense enough to hold an implant, bone graft surgery may need to be carried out—and it may take a year to complete the dental implant process.

Let’s take a closer look at each stage.

Initial Consultation and Examination

During an initial consultation, the dentist will take a thorough medical history and review your dental records.

They will also assess your current oral health and thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and oral tissues.

X-rays of the mouth or CT scans may be taken to evaluate the health of your jaw.

Suppose you are deemed a suitable candidate for dental implants, a personalised treatment plan is developed, and impressions of your mouth are taken so the laboratory can prepare your custom-made artificial tooth (or teeth).

Get a dental consultation near you to find out more. It should generally take 1-2 hours.

Dental Implant Surgery

The surgery to insert a dental implant is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, which numbs the area around the implant. However, conscious sedation can be given in addition to the local anaesthetic if you are of a nervous disposition.

The procedure is relatively straightforward and typically takes around an hour to complete. Recovery from the surgery is usually quick, and most people quickly return to their normal activities within days. How long does a dental implant (surgical) procedure take? Typically, it takes 1-2 hours to place one implant.

Healing Time

After dental implant surgery, the area is left to heal. During this time, the implant fuses with the jawbone (osseointegration). Dental implants are typically made from titanium (a material compatible with the human body), so they won’t be rejected and provide a secure and robust base on which to mount an artificial tooth.

Attaching the Replacement Tooth

The attachment of the replacement tooth is the final part of the dental implant process. In patients with healthy jaw bones, this can often occur around 3-4 months after the dental implants are inserted into the jaw. However, if augmentation of the jawbone is necessary with a bone graft, it may be up to a year before the procedure is finalised.

Attaching the artificial tooth is straightforward and performed under a local anaesthetic—generally taking no longer than an hour.

Looking After Dental Implants

In truth, the dental implant procedure may well be finished, but dental implants require a lifetime of care if you want them to last. Just as natural teeth need cleaning to prevent bacterial plaque, dental implants require the same attention.

You must have a thorough twice-daily cleaning and flossing routine to keep the tissues surrounding any dental implants free from plaque and healthy to prevent peri-implantitis (a condition similar to gum disease that destroys gum and bone tissue).

Besides your cleaning routine, you must visit a dentist regularly who can monitor the health of your mouth and dental implants. If problems are spotted, early treatment can often nip them in the bud. For example, if you have a build-up of tartar on your implants, the dentist can remove it before any harmful bacteria can run amok. Unfortunately, if you neglect your dental implants, there is a chance you may lose them.

*How long does a dental implant procedure take: The bottom line***

The dental implant process is not the quickest treatment you can get—unlike a crown or denture. But, the beauty of dental implants is that they mimic natural teeth so well that there is no other tooth restoration option that matches them for aesthetics, feel and function. Get a consultation at your local dental clinic today if you’d like to know more about dental implants and whether you are suitable for them.

References

Healthline: What you need to know about a dental bone graft

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-bone-graft

Science Direct: Osseointegration

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/osseointegration

Am. Academy of Periodontology: Peri-implant diseases

https://www.perio.org/for-patients/periodontal-treatments-and-procedures/dental-implant-procedures/peri-implant-diseases/

The Pros And Cons Of Dental Implants – What You Need To Know

The Pros And Cons Of Dental Implants – What You Need To Know

by Pearl Dental Care Team | Sep 21, 2022

If you have missing teeth and are considering implant-based restorations as an option, then it pays to understand the pros and cons of dental implants to know if they’re right for you. In this post, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of undergoing dental implant surgery so you can make an informed decision. Let’s get started.

Firstly, dental implants are expensive

Initially, anyway, a dental implant procedure does not come cheap. In fact, when compared to conventional restorations like bridges and dentures, dental implants can come in at two or three times the cost.

However, if you look beyond the short term, dental implants can last for many years, so it’s likely, that you will only pay once during your lifetime. On the contrary, because conventional restorations will need replacing frequently, you may end up spending more than you think over the course of a lifetime.

The good news is that many dentists now provide flexible payment options for procedures like dental implant surgery, so you’ll probably be able to spread the cost of treatment rather than having to stump it all up in one go.

An implant restoration involves undergoing dental implant surgery

The surgical aspect of a dental implant procedure is something that cannot be avoided. So it’s understandable that people who can’t undergo surgery or are worried or concerned about it may want to choose a different option.

That said, in most cases, undergoing dental implant surgery is a quick and straightforward process taking less than an hour. Our experienced team at Pearl Dental Care, for example, ensure that patients feel minimal to zero discomfort during the implant placement process. Moreover, many patients are surprised by how easy it is and tell us that ‘it was over before they knew it.’

Getting a dental implant is not a quick fix solution

You may already know that the process of getting a dental implant cannot be done in one sitting. Typically, a dental implant procedure, from start to finish, takes anywhere between 4-9 months to complete. Primarily, this is because time is needed for the implant to stabilise in the jaw. So why is this important?

Dental implants are a standalone treatment. In other words, they don’t rely on the support of other structures in the mouth. They instead form a stable foundation by fusing with the existing bone tissue in a process known as osseointegration.

Once the implant and jawbone become one, it’s sufficient to support a single dental crown, a bridge, or as a series of dental implants supporting a complete arch of replacement teeth.

Unfortunately, osseointegration is a natural process that cannot be rushed, taking 2-5 months on average. Once fully stabilised, the implant and its restoration become an integral part of the mouth.

So, while this aspect may be a disadvantage to some people, others realise that what they eventually have is a natural-looking and long-lasting fixed restoration that is easy to care for.

Of course, this post is all about the pros and cons of dental implants. So, as we’ve talked about some of the initial disadvantages, it’s only fair to balance it and discuss the advantages.

Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth

Elaborating more on the above section, once a dental implant is fully stabilised and the permanent restoration attached, a dental implant is arguably the closest thing to natural teeth that modern dentistry allows. Dental implants enable you to bite and chew normally, while caring for them is as easy as brushing and flossing regularly.

Let’s touch on the chewing and biting aspect for a moment because it’s an important one. If you opt for a conventional restoration like a dental bridge or denture, chewing and biting capability is often limited. With some studies quoting a significant reduction in bite force, it’s understandable why long-term denture wearers may need to adapt their diet.

On the contrary, research suggests that within 2-3 months of getting a dental implant, your chewing capability may be 80% – 85% of your normal bite. This means that as soon as your dental implants have stabilised in the jaw, you should be able to eat whatever you like.

A dental implant prevents bone loss

As far as the pros and cons of dental implants go, this is perhaps one of the most significant advantages.

When teeth are missing, the bone tissue that once supported the natural tooth root gets reabsorbed back into the body because it is no longer required. This, in turn, causes the jawbone to shrink. In fact, in the space of one year, the jawbone diminishes by around 30%

Unfortunately, conventional restorations cannot halt the bone loss process, which is why the jaw’s ever-changing shape requires dentures or dental bridges to be changed often.

Conversely, because dental implants are anchored directly into the jaw, they re-stimulate the remaining bone tissue. The result is no further bone loss and, by default, no more premature ageing.

So there you have it, the pros and cons of dental implants explained. If you want to know more about dental implants and how they work, get a consultation at your local dental clinic. A dentist that offers a consultation should take the time to answer any questions or queries you have about the dental implant process while checking to see if you’re a good candidate.

Here at Pearl Dental Care, we ensure you understand every aspect of the dental implant process before committing. So, if you are considering getting implants but are still unsure, call us and book a dental consultation near you. We can help you to create a fully functioning and aesthetically pleasing smile that you can be proud of.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References:

NCBI – Evaluation of Maximum Bite Force In Patients With Complete Dentures

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5874385

ResearchGate – Maximum Bite Force Following Unilateral Implant-Supported Prosthetic Treatment

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261568760_Maximum_bite_force_following_unilateral_implant-supported_prosthetic_treatment_Within-subject_comparison_to_opposite_dentate_side

NCBI – Prevention Of Bone Resorption by HA And Collagen Composite After Tooth Extraction: A Case Series

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6926561