Apr 01, 2020
Do you believe getting dental implants is similar to sticking some false teeth in your mouth like a mouthguard? This is the procedure that is equal to having minor surgery. If you are not familiar with the world of dentistry as most people understanding this procedure may be difficult for you.
The goal of this surgery is to replace damaged or missing teeth with their roots and having artificial teeth over them. This is a better alternative to traditional full mouth dentures.
Suitable Candidates for This Procedure
The best candidates for this procedure are people who have the following attributes:
- People missing one or more teeth.
- Having damaged teeth in their mouths.
- Maintaining proper oral hygiene.
- Having adequate bone in the jaw to support the implants.
- Being in good overall physical health.
These are factors people must discuss with their dentist to understand if implant surgery is the right option for them.
What Is the Implant Pain Timeline?
This procedure is not one where you can walk into the treatment room with your missing teeth and walk out with fresh pearly whites. The surgery will require outpatient care and will be performed in several stages.
If you have a damaged or injured tooth that still hurts in your mouth the dentist will have to extract the same. This is a procedure by itself and will require anesthesia.
If you need a bone graft the surgeon will remove some bone from other parts of your body to surgical embed it into your jawbone. This requirement will become necessary if your jaw does not have adequate bone to support the implants.
The dental implant will only be inserted into your jaw after your jawbone has healed from the bone graft. The metal implant is screwed into the bone to provide it the strength needed. Following the insertion, another healing phase lasting several months known as osseointegration will be required.
After you have fully healed the surgeon attaches the abutment to the implant and allows the soft tissue more time to heal from the attachment after which your dentist will make a mold of your teeth and jawbone. Sometime later an artificial tooth will be placed over the abutment.
The entire process can last for several months because of the healing time needed by the mouth.
Factors Affecting Additional Pain from the Procedure
Risks are common with any surgery and this procedure is no exception. Chances of the implant failing because of infections, biting, clenching or grinding the teeth exist.
If you are looking for replacements on the lower jaw the chances of nerves that run below the lower jaw can be affected during the drilling or placing the implant. You may experience numbness or tingling temporarily until the nerve heals. However, the chances of the nerve, not healing also exist.
If you want implants in the upper jaw the drilling can break through the sinuses above the upper teeth leading to an infection. To prevent such occurrences the dentist will take x-rays before the procedure to determine the location of nerves and sinuses close by.
Pain Management Tips from Dental Implant Surgery
During your first consultation with the specialist performing the procedure, you will be provided with all the information about how you can manage the pain associated with the surgery during the healing period. You will also receive information that you can expect to experience swelling, minimal bleeding, and pain as well as some bruising. If the discomfort is concerning or remaining with you longer than expected you can contact your dentist for an evaluation. You will be advised to take over-the-counter pain medications or even provided prescriptions if you are experiencing extreme discomfort.
If you are considered suitable for dental implants you must understand the process can take several months and plan accordingly if you wish to replace the missing teeth in your mouth with replacements that will last you for a lifetime. The time span can be considered inconvenient but the procedure can bring back your self-confidence and beautiful smile back again. Therefore it is suggested that you inquire properly with the clinic you are visiting and plan ahead of time for the procedure.