Are dental implants painful?
Are dental implants painful? This is a question that we get asked all the time at Didsbury Dental Practice, so we wanted to share all of the details you could possibly need to know about dental implant treatment in one handy article.
The request for this service is increasing globally, with the entire market worth over £410 million in 2021. The success rates are also as high as 95% when used as part of an oral rehabilitation plan. This solution, therefore, offers a more financially viable solution to restoring missing teeth compared to some other methods.
Whilst the benefits are plentiful, 33% of patients are said to worry about the pain associated with dental treatment, which naturally leads to questions about dental implants. Let’s explore this innovative service together and get to the bottom of this much-asked question.
What are dental implants, and do they hurt?
A dental implant offers a way to restore missing or damaged teeth with a permanent, natural-looking solution. The process involves inserting a durable titanium screw into the jawbone as a missing root. It is then intended to fuse with the bone in the jaw over time to act the same way the original root would have. The small screw can then have a crown, bridge, or denture securely attached for a natural-looking finish.
With the titanium screw intended to remain in the jaw, the idea is that you will then need to have the external crown, denture, or bridge replaced at least every 15-20 years for optimal performance. Even with the best quality materials, natural wear and tear are entirely normal, so this is nothing to be concerned about. The more care and attention are given to your replacement teeth, the longer they will last (just like your real ones!).
Whilst the procedure may sound scary, it is absolutely nothing to worry about. For our implant procedures, we always numb the mouth fully before any surgery occurs. We also offer the option of sedation for our more nervous clients and always let you know your options. You will then be given an entire course of pain medication after your surgery to control any discomfort you may face, which should be minimal.
One of the benefits of exploring this procedure with a private practice is that you can explore different options for managing your own pain if this is something that you are worried about. We always recommend discussing your concerns with your dentist, who will calm your nerves. You can also check out testimonials for clients who have the same work done, as hearing peer feedback is a great way to find out more information.
What is the healing process like?
The healing process is different for everybody, but we expect patients to have a successfully fused root within a couple of months. We advise that you treat the area carefully during this time, but you can still go ahead with eating and drinking most things. Whilst a temporary cap can be used to hide any gaps in your smile, permanent replacements cannot be fitted until your dentist is happy that your jaw has healed around the screw. You should not experience pain during healing and still be able to go about your daily life as you normally would.
In the days following your surgery, you should avoid hot drinks and eat softer foods to ensure the initial healing can occur without interruption. After 72 hours, you can proceed as normal, and your dentist will be able to advise you at any follow-up checks if you need to make any further modifications.
In short, the healing process, whilst it can take a little longer, should not offer you a cause of concern when it comes to ongoing pain.
What are the benefits of dental implants and how can they improve quality of life?
Dental implants are designed to restore any lost confidence and provide you with a permanent solution to ongoing dental issues. Once the implants are healed, and you can apply normal pressure to them, you should notice no difference compared to having the original tooth in place. Therefore, not only is the procedure and recovery fairly painless, but you also benefit from having long-term pain eliminated from your daily life.
Other benefits of having this treatment include:
Confidence is restored by having your beautiful smile restored to its previous glory – 31% of people say they feel self-conscious because of their current dental appearance. In the UK, 22% of adults struggle with having some or all of their teeth missing, which also contributes to this statistic. Dental implants provide a natural look that is personalised to your face shape and jawline, so there is no reason for anyone to think that your replacement teeth are not your natural ones.
Getting to live a normal life when previously you may have had to modify things – When struggling with dental pain or loss, simple things like enjoying tough foods or drinking hot beverages can become uncomfortable. With implants, you can eat and drink exactly what you want with no worry of teeth becoming loose or pain being experienced.
Repair the strength in your jaw as well as have an amazing smile – When you are missing teeth, your jaw is also damaged by proxy. This does not just mean that you will experience dental discomfort, but you can also then suffer from headaches and speech issues. Due to the durability of titanium screws, jaw strength is also improved when the bone is encouraged to bond around the implant. Titanium is used as it is corrosion resistant, long-lasting, and offers excellent hard-tissue compatibility meaning it can act in the same way that the original root did.
Implants are a cost-effective solution to tooth loss – Our dental implants start from just £30 per month and offer a sustainable way to replace teeth. Instead of paying out for new dentures or replacement semi-permanent solutions, an implant acts as a natural addition to your jaw.
Why should you choose Didsbury Dental Practice for your implant surgery?
At Didsbury Dental Practice, we specialise in providing treatment that is as pain-free as possible. We do this by using state-of-the-art equipment and advanced methods thanks to our specialist team. We also understand that dental implants can be a daunting prospect, so we have made it our aim to eliminate any of the concerns associated with this life-changing procedure.
Dental implants are not just a one-fits-all treatment; we offer multiple different forms of treatment based on individual needs. These services include all forms of traditional implants, the revolutionary all-on-4 treatment, zygomatic implants, and bone-grafting treatments. Not all practices offer this extensive range of implant procedures, but we do to ensure our clients have every option for treatment available to them. Dental implants are a great way of restoring your confidence and improving your quality of life, so we take the treatment for our patients very seriously.
As we are proud to be one of the top private dentists in Manchester, other benefits to having your implants done with us also include:
- Expert consultations, surgeries, and post-treatment follow-ups to ensure your implants have the best possible chance of being successfully bonded into your jawline.
- Cosmetic dentistry knowledge, due to our other services that are provided, means we can accurately provide you with replacement teeth that match the original ones perfectly.
- A calm and relaxing environment is offered for all treatments, which is essential if you are nervous about your procedure. Even though dental implants are not painful treatments, due to the nature of the surgery, it is common for patients to be nervous about the work. An environment that is more relaxing than your traditional dental surgeries is essential. If you are relaxed, then your recovery will be quicker.
- Finance plans to make your implant surgery attainable, no matter your financial situation. Subject to acceptance, our finance allows you to have the essential treatment and pay for it over a longer period, eliminating any stress that you could face when it comes to funding your treatment.
- Emergency appointments should you experience any issues during your healing process. We can be contacted 24/7 and offer same-day emergency appointments should you experience any issues. By being on hand to help at the first sign of trouble, we ensure that your dental implants have the best opportunity to heal in a way that will provide you with years of permanent resolution to your dental woes.
So, are dental implants painful?
We hope you now feel more confident in understanding the process behind professional dental implants.
Whilst pain is relevant to the individual when asked, ‘are dental implants painful?’, we feel confident in saying that they are not. Yes, you may experience discomfort during the healing process, but this is no different from any other procedure. However, the quality of materials and the skilled way the surgery is completed means healing can take place quickly for a swift resolution to your dental loss issues.
If you want to find out more, you can read about our dental implant services here, or contact us to ask any other questions.
