Mayda Ferguson, DDS
Dental phobia is a lot more common than you might think. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly three-quarters of adults in the United States suffer from some form of it. Naturally, this can make restoring your teeth with surgical procedures like dental implants a challenge, especially for those who are fearful the treatment might hurt. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from dental implant surgery and recovery, and why there’s no need to be afraid of this life-changing procedure!
Does Dental Implant Surgery Hurt?
The great news is that no matter if you’re getting just one dental implant or multiple, the first step to your surgical procedure is the same: your dentist will numb your mouth. This means that not only will you feel no pain during surgery, but you will also likely go home numb and gradually regain sensation over the following hours. Then, once your anesthetic has completely worn off, you can begin using prescribed or OTC pain relievers to keep any discomfort at bay during the recovery process.
In some cases, you may also benefit from dental sedation, which can help keep you feeling calm and relaxed during treatment.
Is Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery Painful?
During the recovery period, it is normal to experience some discomfort as you heal. Thankfully, this should gradually improve over the coming days. The good news is that your jaw doesn’t have much in the way of nerve endings in the first place, so it shouldn’t be too sensitive following surgery. However, most patients say they feel much better by around three to seven days post-op.
Following the initial dental implant surgery, your posts need to permanently fuse with your jawbone via a process called osseointegration. This can take between four and nine months, and once it’s completed, you’ll be ready to get your dental implant abutments. This step will require a second, minor procedure which is much less invasive than the first. At this time, your dentist will need to make an incision or incisions in your gums depending on how many dental implants you have. This will be done under a local anesthetic (and sedation if you qualify) and it should only take a week or so to recover. While you heal, your final restorations will be prepared, and you’ll return to your dentist one last time to have them placed.
Restoration placement can be done without any kind of anesthesia and should not be painful. In fact, once it’s done, you should be able to go enjoy your gorgeous new grin, including eating a full diet without any discomfort!
Remember, it’s understandable to be worried about dental implants causing pain, but the truth is that your dentist wants you to remain comfortable during your procedure. That’s why she’s committed to providing you with both anesthetic and even sedation options to keep you feeling your best before, during, and after dental implant surgery.
About Dr. Ferguson
Dr. Mayda Ferguson earned not one but two undergraduate degrees at Louisiana State University before completing her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. A Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, she is a current, active member of the American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. To schedule a consultation for dental implants at Second Line Family Dentistry, visit our website or call 504-833-2220.