Today, most people do their homework before choosing a treatment option for tooth loss. Many have heard about the benefits of dental implants and that they can offer a permanent solution to missing teeth.
Patients often ask if dental implants are painful. The discomfort is typically minimal, and most patients say that replacing their missing teeth with dental implants was one of the best decisions they’ve ever made.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth and anchor dentures in place. The dental implant is made of titanium and inserted into your jawbone to act as a new tooth root. With time, the implant integrates with your jawbone to provide a strong foundation for a permanent crown that can look and act just like your other teeth.
Titanium dental implants are the most natural-looking dental prosthetic. They're also solid and durable, and long-lasting. You'll likely never need to replace them, unlike bridges and dentures, which must be replaced every few years due to wear and tear and decay.
How does dental implant technology work?
Dental implants are state-of-the-art technology for restoring single or multiple missing teeth and should be considered for patients seeking a more permanent option than bridges or dentures.
Dental implant surgery requires several steps. First, the patient will undergo oral surgery to remove the tooth if one is present in order to place the dental implant. A bone graft is then placed and sutured. Approximately 2 months later, once the bone has healed , the implant is placed into the jawbone using a small surgical tool. The actual placement of the implant typically takes less than ten minutes, after which you'll need to wait three to four months for your implant to integrate into the surrounding bone.
Once the implant and bone have integrated, you'll return to your dentist for abutment placement and fabrication of the crown which goes on top of the abutment which is acting like the tooth replacement. Approximately 2-3 weeks later, a crown will be placed on the metal post and then cemented or screwed into place permanently.
Are dental implants painful?
Dental Implants generally aren’t painful. You may experience some soreness after the surgery, but the implants themselves don’t cause discomfort. In fact, they feel much like natural teeth.
Most patients take care of their dental implants just as they do their natural teeth—by brushing and flossing daily.
Why choose dental implants over other restoration methods?
The three main reasons to choose dental implants over other methods of tooth restoration include:
- The ability to preserve bone and tissue that would have been lost with traditional tooth extraction.
- Better quality of life following tooth loss, due to the ability to eat and speak normally.
- Improved appearance of the smile due to the natural look and feel of dental implants.
- Implants feel like a natural part of you; there’s no need to remove a dental appliance each night.
Are you ready to get your smile back?
If you'd like to learn more about dental implants, contact us today at 410-531-2690 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.