A revered tooth replacement that millions of patients and dentists adore is dental implants. They are a reliable choice that gives you up to 90% of your bite back, but you will need to have them surgically placed into your jawbone. A metal post will be inserted, but you may wonder what your results will feel like because of this. Here’s what you need to know about every step of the process.
What to Expect During Placement Surgery
Since you will need oral surgery to have dental implants placed, many people are worried about what to expect during the procedure. The good news is that it’s often a comfortable experience. Your mouth will be numbed with powerful local anesthesia, meaning you may not feel much of anything during it. Many people say they don’t experience outright pain, but rather pressure instead.
How Dental Implants May Feel During Recovery
You will need time to recover after your procedure, but it’s expected that you’ll experience soreness, minor discomfort, and swelling initially. In all, it may feel similar to having a tooth removed, but you can ease tenderness with over-the-counter medication and your dentist’s post-op care to ensure a smooth recovery.
Over the next several months, the implant will start to fuse to your jawbone. This process is called osseointegration, but you won’t feel the replacement itself during this process. The tissues surrounding it are full of nerves, but the post itself doesn’t have any, so you can’t feel pain within it.
What Your End Results Will Feel Like
Once your implants are fully integrated into your jaw, they will become a permanent part of your oral anatomy. You’ll have your restoration placed on top, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. When you do, then your replacement may feel entirely natural. You can use it just like a normal tooth, and you may feel the pressure from biting and chewing in your gums.
Not only will they act just like natural teeth, but they look like them as well. When you are all done with the treatment, you will be able to eat, laugh, and talk confidently and comfortably. That way, you feel your best about having a full smile you love.
In the end, dental implants often don’t feel much different from normal when fully healed. Better yet, you can enjoy them for a lifetime with the proper care.
About the Author
Dr. Avery Lane earned her dental degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. She is dedicated to helping the Colorado Springs community restore their smiles with reliable tooth replacement options like dental implants. By working with local specialists, you can trust that you stay in expert care every step of the way. If you want to see how this treatment can benefit you, schedule an appointment or call our office at (719) 634-3204.