Dental implant surgery can benefit in many ways after the loss of teeth, through resolving bite issues and changing the appearance of your smile. Today, our Charlottetown dentists provide some answers to commonly asked questions about the pain that may be experienced with dental implant surgery.
Will my dental implant surgery hurt?
In short, no, you shouldn't feel any pain during the surgery.
What is the long answer then?
When we prepare to do your procedure we will provide you with local anesthesia. When administering the anesthesia there will be a needle used and during the procedure, you may feel pressure. The nerves in the area that is being treated will be numbed and unable to transmit much if any pain response. For some patients, the needles or dental procedures cause anxiety and so we will try to provide the most calming experience that we possibly can.
What happens during dental implant surgery?
The first step in this procedure will always be administering a local anesthetic to numb the nerves in the area where the implant will be surgically installed. From there we will wait for the anesthetic to sufficiently numb the area prior to proceeding. Your dentist will create a space in your gums and jaw bone for the titanium post that holds the implant in place.
Finally, the post will be inserted and secured. Your dentist will cover the implant with a cap that will stay in place over the next couple of months while the implant heals.
How long will recovery be after surgery?
A large number of our patients find the entire process and recovery to be far more manageable than they originally expected. Within a few days to a week after the procedure, you would be able to resume the regular activities within your life. You still may experience some post-surgical discomfort for a little while afterward. If so, we usually recommend over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, to help make recovery comfortable.
Does my dental implant require a crown?
As this process requires the dental implant to fuse to the bone it will be approximately 4 months to heal initially. After this healing process is complete you will need to return for your follow-up appointment at your Charlottetown dental practice to have your dental implant(s) crowned. This crown will help prevent many dental issues as well as provide you with a more natural-looking smile.