When it comes to replacing missing teeth, the dental implant procedure stands in a class of its own. Being that it’s a surgical procedure, though, you want to know if you’ll be in pain after the titanium post is placed. Your implant dentist in Cambridge weighs in to address your concerns so you can comfortably move forward with getting the help you need!
The Dental Implant Procedure Explained
The process of placing a dental implant involves your dentist making an incision into the gums to gain access to the underlying jawbone. A titanium post is then inserted into the same, and over time, a fusion will occur that will create a sound base to support your jaw and a final restoration (crown, bridge or denture).
With the aid of anesthesiology and sedation dentistry, you can expect a painless procedure, but will you experience discomfort after the implant process is done?
Will There be Post-Procedure Pain?
You can typically expect to feel some discomfort immediately after your implant is placed and for the next few days. Here are some other specific things you may notice:
- Minor bleeding
- Bruising of the face and gums
- Pain around the treatment area
- Discomfort in the chin, cheeks or underneath the eyes
The good news is that your new restoration will feel natural, and the above slight hiccups are usually manageable. For any discomfort, you can take ibuprofen. Then, for any swelling and to further decrease any pain, you can apply an icepack in 20-minute intervals.
How to Encourage Healing
As best you can, you should encourage healing by consuming soft foods like pudding, apple sauce and smoothies for up to two weeks after the procedure is completed. Additionally, it helps to repeatedly rinse your mouth with warm salt-water, which will aid in soothing the tissues and raising the pH level in your mouth.
Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
After your implant is placed, it’s critical that you abide by all of your dentist’s post-procedure guidelines. In doing so, you will further ensure the most timely, effective and comfortable recovery possible.
You can rest assured in knowing that the dental implant process has a 98% success rate, but the first step is to reach out to your implant specialist in Cambridge today to get the expert care you need while you have enough healthy bone remaining. Soon after your implant is placed, you’ll be back to leading a full and rich life!
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Lee is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He then went on to complete a four-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the same institution. Considered an expert in his field, Dr. Lee has participated in several research projects dealing with dental materials and implant dentistry. He uses his vast knowledge to replace missing teeth with dental implants at Muskingum Valley Oral Surgery, and he can be reached for more information through his website.