Have you ever wanted to try something fun or exciting, but held off because you were afraid? Whether it’s fear of rejection, failure, or discomfort, this powerful emotion can sometimes prevent you from gaining some of life’s richest rewards. If you’ve been hesitant to commit to dental implant treatment because you’re apprehensive about pain, here’s why when it comes to restoring your smile with these durable, lifelike restorations, you have nothing to fear but fear itself!
No Pain, All Gain: Dental Implant Surgery
Arguably, the most difficult part of your dental implant procedure is the surgery itself. The good news is that your mouth will be completely numb for the entire procedure, so you shouldn’t feel anything at all aside from some slight pressure. In fact, if you’re nervous, your dentist may even offer sedation options to help keep you calm and lower your ability to register pain.
Following your procedure, your dentist will provide you with a full set of aftercare instructions to help lessen any discomfort you’ll experience after the numbing wears off. The good news is that with the help of these guidelines and either OTC or prescription pain reliever, you should feel much better within a few days post-op.
Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery
Although the recovery period from dental implant surgery can take many months, the good news is that this should not be uncomfortable. In fact, you can begin eating a full diet as soon as you’re ready, and many patients feel much better after about five to seven days. The main reason for the delay is that your dental implants must permanently fuse with your jaw via a process called osseointegration. This is what gives them their stability, and it is absolutely vital to their success.
To help this stage along, be sure to comply with the aftercare instructions from your dentist, and avoid things like eating excessively crunchy foods, smoking, frequent alcohol consumption, and failing to protect your teeth if you grind them or play sports.
Once More, for Old Times Sake: Abutment Placement
After your dental implants have successfully integrated with your jawbone, you will return to your dentist for the placement of the abutments, which connect the teeth to your implant posts. This procedure requires your dentist to make incisions in the gums and close them with sutures. Rest assured that you will once again be completely numb, and you can choose to receive sedation if you’d prefer to. Recovery from this portion of treatment should also be much shorter and more comfortable than the first surgery. In fact, if all goes well, you should be ready to receive your new teeth in just a few short weeks!
Pain Free Prosthetics: Using Your Dental Implants
Once your dental implant treatment is complete, you can begin using your new smile to enjoy a full diet. There should be no pain or discomfort, but it could still take a short while to get adjusted to eating with restorations. If you experience any pain while chewing, or if the initial discomfort from the abutment surgery or crown placement doesn’t go away within a few days, reach out to you dentist, as some modifications may be possible.
Remember, it’s normal to be nervous about trying new things and taking risks, but the good news is that with durable, beautiful dental implants, there’s nothing to be afraid of! With an impressive 95 percent success rate and a caring, compassionate dental team at your side, your new dental implants can give you back a healthy, pain-free smile for a lifetime!
About Our Practice
At Prosper Dental Health, Dr. Trautmann and Dr. Vazquez understand that getting dental implants can be a little scary, but they’re here to ensure you stay calm and comfortable the entire time. To that end, we are pleased to offer sedation options, and a caring, compassionate dental team that will help guide you every step of the way. To learn more about dental implants, schedule a consultation with us today by visiting our website or calling 972-347-2233.