But aren’t Dental Implants painful?
We all know that family member who is terrified of the dentist. You know, the one who has heart palpitations at just the thought of having a general check-up or cleaning, who knows maybe that’s you…for me it was my sister. Still 20 years later, she hasn’t changed!
So you can imagine mentioning the words ‘Dental Implants’ to even the most confident of patient could make them feel a little weak at the knees about the thought of having screws surgically implanted into their jawline. Well here at Maida Smiles we want to assure you that not only will you be in the best hands in the entire UK, but that this procedure isn’t as painful as we may think.
So…Do Dental Implants hurt?
Generally speaking, no the procedure is not meant to be painful. Although, please bear in mind what might be painful to me may not be painful to you so we can never say a procedure will be 100% pain free for everyone. However you shouldn’t be experiencing pain during a dental implant surgery. You are given a local anaesthetic to numb the nerves, bone and gums, so what you may feel at times is a little pressure, but it should not cause you too much discomfort.
We understand…
The idea of feeling pain may trigger anxiety in a naturally nervous patient when considering undergoing dental implant surgery, so we do have some options at Maida Smiles, which can help manage the nerves and any feeling of discomfort.
What we have available to you at Maida Smiles…
Local Anaesthetic – We have a number of different solution agents to assist in keeping the pain to a minimum during your procedure. We begin with a numbing agent to alleviate any pain administered by the needle. Then we follow with a local anaesthetic tailored to the individual’s requirements. This can then be topped up during the procedure if necessary.
Intravenous Sedation – We appreciate that previous traumas experienced during dental procedures can lead to a more nervous patient. Therefore on request and after discussing and explaining in detail with your Dentist in advance, we can offer you an IV sedation called Midazolan. This will not put you to sleep, but rather make you feel calmer and more relaxed during the surgery. After the surgery you will have no memory of the experience. Rarely, someone may not be eligible for sedation.
Let’s talk recovery…
Dental Implant Surgery is an invasive cosmetic procedure so it’s important to note that you may experience some swelling or discomfort after the treatment. Anti-inflammatory painkillers or antibiotics can be provided for you and all patients will be explained the aftercare procedure and given take-home care instructions.
About an hour after surgery, you may remove the gauze sponges in your mouth and have something to eat. Be sure to eat soft foods for the first 24 hours and avoid hot foods and drinks for several hours after surgery. Also do not drink from a straw for at least 24 hours as it can encourage bleeding from the gums.
We will call and check on our patients the next day to see how they are feeling and are always available if you have any questions or concerns.
In most cases any pain or discomfort will peak and then begin to subside within 3-5 days. By the end of your first-week post-surgery, you should be feeling little, if any, remaining discomfort and pain.
Once you are completely healed most implants can be checked every six months during your regular cleaning and check-up appointments.
So, is it all worth it…
Given their durability, appearance, and functionality, dental implants are probably the best option for missing teeth replacement. They should not look or feel any different and function like a natural tooth. Dental Implants are the best long-term option that can last you for the rest of your life.
