Do you have dentophobia? If you are afraid of the dentist, you are definitely not alone.
In fact, up to 15% of people in industrialized countries suffer from a severe fear of visiting the dentist. Fully 3% of them are so paralyzed by that fear that they never go get their teeth checked at all. This is true whether the patient needs something simple like a cleaning or something more extensive, such as dental implants.
Do dental implants hurt? Are they worth it? We’re going to take a look in this article, so read on.
First, What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth, but they are not the same as dentures or even bridges. They offer many advantages, but one of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that they feel and act like real teeth.
The process of getting dental implants involves several stages. It is usually an extensive procedure. Patients almost invariably feel their implants are worth it, however.
Dental implants are easy to take care of. You can drink and eat anything you want, unlike with dentures. They look great, too.
Perhaps most importantly, dental implants can last a lifetime.
The Dental Implant Process
Dental implants are placed using a screw-like metal post that replaces the natural tooth root. Usually, the post is made from titanium, giving it incredible strength and durability.
After the post has been implanted, the jawbone and mouth will need a chance to fully heal. One thing to understand about the titanium post is that it will eventually fuse with your bone. That’s pretty incredible, isn’t it?
This means the implants really do function just like natural teeth. They won’t make any kind of noise or slip as dentures do. Unlike bridges and crowns, implants will not cause bone damage over time.
After the post has healed, you will need something called an “abutment.” This is a piece of dental hardware that helps join the root to the artificial tooth itself.
Then comes the tooth. It is similar to the type you might expect with a normal crown procedure. Your implant is all done! And if you’re looking for a good dentist to get an implant, simply head to https://vipdentalspas.com/ for more information.
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
As you can see, getting a dental implant is a complex process. It will take several appointments with your dentist before it is complete. Additionally, one appointment involves major surgery.
For these reasons, you are likely wondering if dental implants hurt! Here’s the scoop.
While people’s pain levels do differ widely, dental surgery usually does involve some degree of pain. At least, it would without anesthesia and painkillers, but don’t worry. You will get plenty of help from the dental professionals taking care of you.
For the operation itself, you will be under general anesthesia. That means you’ll be “knocked out” and won’t feel a thing while the surgery is happening.
The anesthesia will require an IV. If you have a fear of needles or anxiety about the surgery itself, you will be given a sedative in advance to help calm you.
After the surgery, the dentist will give you what’s called a “pain block” for about 24 hours, you will be free of pain and discomfort. This, of course, is the time period during which you would otherwise be hurting the most.
For continued pain relief, the doctor will give you a prescription for pain medication. It will probably be fairly strong, so you can take it as needed.
Before the dentist does anything else for your dental implant procedure, they will have a lengthy consultation with you. During this consultation, they will explain the entire process, including how they will address any pain you may have. Feel free to talk to them about your anxiety or fears about the pain or any other aspect of the surgery.
The Follow-Up Procedures
After the implant surgery is over, you will probably need to wait for several months before your jaw has healed. During this waiting period, the dentist will order your custom-made crown from a laboratory. It will be manufactured to look just like your other, natural teeth.
When it is time for the abutment and crown, however, there is not much risk of pain. Your dentist may use a local anesthetic for attaching the abutment. But that’s about the extent of what you will need.
Caring for Dental Implants
As we mentioned earlier, one of the aspects of dental implants that patients absolutely love is how much they are like natural teeth. They look like teeth. They chew and function like teeth.
They are also cared for in the exact same way as your other teeth. That means you will brush them and floss them. See your dentist regularly for checkups, of both your implants and the teeth you were born with.
A Note on Safety
You may be wondering if dental implants are safe. While every type of major surgery offers risks and possible complications, the success rate of this procedure is 98%.
In addition, your dentist is a qualified, experienced professional. He or she almost certainly has extensive experience in this type of surgery and the other aspects of the dental implant process.
If you are especially concerned, you should ask the dentist as many questions as you like during the consultation. You can talk to former dental implant patients or ask about how many procedures the dentist has completed. Do whatever it takes to ease your mind.
Are Dental Implants Right For You?
Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants, so your first step will be calling the dentist to get more information and schedule an exam.
It’s understandable to have a fear of the dentist. However, these fears are often completely unwarranted. While there are certainly some bad apples among the bunch, most dentists are kind, caring, compassionate, and gentle providers.
They genuinely want to help their patients, and one of the best ways they can do that is by honestly answering questions like “Do dental implants hurt?”
If you are curious about other aspects of your health and well-being, feel free to stick around and read more of our informative articles!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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