Concern about experiencing pain is one of the top reasons people give for not going to the dentist. Studies show that the cause of dental anxiety is complex and due to many factors. Some people are hindered from pursuing an effective and predictable solution to replacing missing teeth by their fear of pain during implant surgery. Continue reading to learn more about how painful is a tooth implant?
Trident Dental can help you have the smile you want. Call today and schedule an appointment for a comprehensive oral examination and learn how we use dental implants to successfully restore missing teeth.
How Painful Is a Tooth Implant?
Unlike replacing a missing tooth with a fixed dental bridge or partial denture, surgery is needed to place a tooth implant. Before the surgery, you will receive a local dental anesthetic to numb the surgical area. Next, an incision is made in the anesthetized gum to expose the underlying bone.
An artificial socket is then created in the bone. This is similar to a tooth socket that holds the root of a natural tooth. Creating this space for the implant is done carefully and is typically painless since the jawbone contains few nerve endings. Once the implant is placed in the bone, the gum is repositioned to cover the implant. The entire procedure is completed while you are completely numb from the dental anesthetic.
Before the procedure, your dentist will discuss additional anesthesia options to help ease any anxiety you may have about the procedure. The goal of Trident Dental is to comfortably place an esthetically pleasing and highly functional implant that will last you a lifetime.
What To Expect After Dental Implant Surgery
After your dental implant placement, you should expect some slight swelling and mild discomfort. You will be given specific postoperative instructions. Closely following these instructions will help you minimize the risk of any complications. Typically, discomfort can be managed with mild analgesics. Follow the instructions carefully if you receive any prescriptions for pain medications or antibiotics.
How To Care For Dental Implants
Unlike fixed dental bridges that replace one or several missing teeth, dental implants do not require special oral hygiene procedures. Instead, these simple but essential steps can help you keep your implants for a lifetime:
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Brushing your teeth and implants daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. The American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
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Flossing daily using the correct technique. Although your dental implant is not at risk for tooth decay, gum disease threatens its long-term success. You may want to consider adding interdental cleaners and a water flosser to help keep the interface between the implant and gum healthy and free of bacteria.
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Having regular dental checkups and professional oral hygiene care. Early detection and treatment of gingivitis with professional teeth cleaning can help prevent periodontitis which poses a significant risk for implant failure.
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Using an antiseptic mouthrinse. Studies show that an antiseptic mouthrinse can reduce plaque and help gingivitis. Using an ADA-approved mouthrinse twice daily can provide benefits in maintaining your tooth implant.
Schedule Appointment
Our oral health care professionals place a premium on providing excellent dental services with added attention given to your comfort. Contact Trident Dental for an implant consultation and learn how we make this a painless procedure.