Is the Dental Implant Placement Process Painful?

If you’ve done any research on dental implants, you know that the titanium posts are inserted below your gumline and anchored to your jawbone. That probably sounds intense, and you wouldn’t be the first person to worry about experiencing pain during the placement process. Fortunately, your care team will take every step to ensure your comfort. Many patients remark that implant surgery isn’t any more painful than other dental procedures, and this post will outline why!

Quality Care and Expert Placement

First thing’s first; whoever will be performing your dental implant placement will be highly qualified to do so. Some dental practices are able to perform the surgery in-house, while others refer their patients to local oral surgeons to be absolutely certain everything goes smoothly. Either way, your expert will be trained in delivering quality care and placing your implants strategically.

Local Anesthetics, Sedation, and More

No matter where you’re having your dental implant surgery, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. These anesthetics are highly effective, able to make even root canals and tooth extractions seem like a breeze. Oftentimes, this is enough to ensure a patient’s comfort, though your local oral surgeon may also offer dental sedation or general anesthesia if you’re sensitive or anxious.

Promoting Comfort After Surgery

Truthfully, where you’re more likely to experience discomfort is after your dental implant placement. When the anesthetic wears off, you might feel sore. You’ll already be instructed to stick to a strict soft food diet so that your implant posts can properly fuse to your jawbone, but here are some other things you can do to manage your aches:

• Take OTC pain relievers as needed
• Apply a cold compress to sore areas
• Rinse your mouth with salt water after eating
• Brush and floss very gently
• Avoid strenuous activities

Don’t Hesitate to Talk to Your Dentist

It’s natural to feel worried about potential pain. You can be rest assured that dental implant treatments are not as uncomfortable as they sound, but if you can’t shake the anxiety or are concerned that a special circumstance could make you more sensitive, talk to your dentist. They’ll want to promote your comfort in whatever way they can and will be more than happy to help you avoid a negative experience.

About the Author

Dr. Natalya Nagornaya is dedicated to sharpening her skills through continuing education, and aims to not only meet your expectations, but exceed them. Top-notch, quality dental care is something she prides herself in providing. With Dr. Nagornaya guiding your dental implant treatment, you can be confident that your comfort is a top priority. To schedule a consultation, contact her office directly at 847-634-2525 or submit your request online.