Your Antigonish Invisalign® Provider
Dental implant surgery has many benefits, as it restores the appearance and function of your smile after losing one or more teeth. In this blog, our Antigonish dentists share the answers to some common questions asked about the pain that might be associated with dental implant surgery.
Will dental implant surgery be painful?
The short answer is, it shouldn't.
OK, what's the long answer?
The longer answer is that the procedure beings with the application of local anesthesia. The process does consist of a needle, and throughout the procedure, you could experience some pressure – However, your nerves will be numbed and won't be able to send much, if any responses of pain. In situations where dental procedures or needles cause you anxiety, there are sedation options available that can help make the procedure less stressful.
The Process of Dental Implant Surgery
As explained above, the first step is administering a local anesthetic to numb the area where the implant is being surgically installed. Once we've established that the area is acceptably numb to pain, a space is created in your gums and jaw bone for the titanium post that holds the implant in place. Our Antigonish dentists use computerized 3D modeling to create and place the implant.
Lastly, the post is inserted and secured. A cap is placed on top to keep it safe while it heals for the next few months.
How long will my recovery take? Will, I experience pain after the procedure?
We have been told by many patients that they were surprised by how unintrusive they found the procedure to be. You should be able to go back to your usual life several days to a week after your dental implant surgery. You might still feel some discomfort for a short while after the surgery. If so, we usually suggest taking over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, to help make your recovery more comfortable.
Crowning your Dental Implant
It takes around four months for a new dental implant to fuse to the bone. Once this has happened, it will be time to return to our Antigonish dental practice to have your dental implant(s) crowned. The crown is what will give the implant a natural look, much like a real tooth.