Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed into the jaw to hold replacement teeth or a bridge in place. They are an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth and are easy to maintain – just keep your teeth and mouth clean and healthy as you usually would.
A lot of people who could be good candidates for dental implants may hesitate due to several factors, one of which is the prospect of pain. Let’s talk about whether this is an accurate fear or not.
Pain During Dental Implant Surgery
The procedure to get dental implants goes like this: the dentist makes an incision in the gums and drills into the jawbone, where the titanium screw will be implanted. An abutment and temporary crown will be placed. These will remain in place until the jawbone fuses with the titanium screw, after which, the permanent dental crowns will be placed during a separate appointment.
General anesthesia, local anesthesia, or sedation will be used to numb the pain. General anesthesia renders you unconscious for the duration of the procedure, while local anesthesia numbs a small area. Sedation, on the other hand, is a medication that keeps you relaxed throughout the procedure. Depending on the strength of medication used, you may remain in a dream-like or sedated state but still remain conscious and be able to respond to your dentist’s instructions, or you may be kept totally unconscious. For dental implant surgery, being in a sedated state is enough to protect you from pain. Regardless of which method is used, you do not have to worry about feeling any pain at all during the procedure.
Pain After Dental Implant Surgery
Postoperative pain can be managed with pain medication. Your dentist will discuss pain management during surgery planning and will provide pain medication before the procedure that you can take to reduce or eliminate pain while you heal. Over-the-counter pain medication is usually enough to manage postoperative pain. What’s normal after dental implant surgery is discomfort but not pain. If you do feel pain, especially if it continues to worsen, it may be a sign of a complication and you should let your dentist know.
With all things considered, you should not worry about dental implants being painful. Dentists who perform dental implant surgery ensure that patients have a comfortable surgery and post-surgery experience.
Dental Implant Surgeon in Eugene, OR
Dental implant surgery as a permanent solution for oral issues can transform your life. If you are looking for a dental implant surgeon in Eugene, choose Dr. Ari Binder, a family dentist highly experienced in dental implant surgery. He regularly performs dental implant surgery and does so with great skill and expertise.
Dental implant surgery is easier than your fears or phobias will let you imagine. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder, and he will walk you through the entire process and address any concerns you may have. Call our dental clinic today at (541) 689-1645 or use our convenient appointment request form.