When you’ve been missing teeth, especially for a long period of time, it can be a life-changing event to have a dental implant placed. They’re long-lasting, durable, reliable and capable of performing all the tasks your natural tooth accomplished. But many people are hesitant about their use because they aren’t sure what to expect from treatment.
Thankfully, dental implants in Naples have come a long way since their conception. To learn what to expect and why you don’t have to worry about feeling pain, keep reading.
What Does Dental Implant Surgery Entail?
The first steps of your implant surgery involve a thorough examination and consultation with an implant dentist. During this meeting, you’ll get to discuss your needs as well as your eligibility to receive implants. Once they’ve determined that you’re eligible, you’ll be scheduled for surgery at a later date.
During the surgery, an incision is made into your gums so that the titanium post can be placed inside your jaw bone. This post is affixed with a screw and allows for proper integration to take place. Once placed, the gums are stitched close so the implant can heal over the next several months. You’ll be given a temporary crown to protect the implant while it heals and so there isn’t a large gap in your smile during this period.
After the implant is fully healed, you’ll come back to have an abutment placed. This component acts as a screw and the foundation for your restoration. Then, an impression is taken so the dentists can begin fabricating your new restoration. Finally, after the restoration is made, you’ll have it fitted.
Does Dental Implant Surgery Hurt?
While cutting open gum tissue and screwing an implant into your jaw sounds worrisome, there’s really nothing to fear. Even though you’re awake during the surgery, you’ll be given a local anesthetic that numbs the area surrounding the surgical site. As a result, you shouldn’t feel any pain whatsoever during the implantation.
Furthermore, the bone where the implant is placed does not have any nerves, meaning you wouldn’t feel any pain during placement in the first place. Regardless, the dentist will make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible before you begin any treatment.
What About After the Surgery?
Just like with any surgery, mild discomfort is common afterwards. In the case of dental implants, you will likely experience some soreness in your cheeks, chin and sometimes underneath the eyes. There may also be bruising around the implant site and minor bleeding. Thankfully, this can all be managed with over-the-counter painkillers and ice packs. Aftercare should also include a soft diet for about two weeks after each stage of your surgery. Rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater to soothe oral tissue and get extra relief.
When you visit a trained implant dentist for your treatment, there’s nothing to fear. Schedule your implant consultation with a dentist in Naples to get started!
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Skupny earned his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Since then, he’s become a proud member of the International Team for Implantology and a Diplomate in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. To learn more about his dental implant expertise, you can contact him through his website.