People do tend to baulk at the idea of getting dental implants. It’s not for the cost of them (though that is a factor for some), but rather it’s the perception that recovering from the procedure takes a long time and is painful.
But that’s not the case at all. Many of our patients don’t even need pain killers following a dental implant placement procedure.
There are a couple of factors for this – the most significant factor is that the skill of the dentist is key; a good dentist is really important in minimising any pain or discomfort experienced following the operation. Dental surgeons that are gentle and technically skilled are able to conduct this operation in such a way that the mouth can be healed almost completely in just 2-3 weeks. It is not unusual to experience a bruising sensation while the Dental Implants healing takes place, but that can be managed through over-the-counter pain killers such as Panadol, Nurofen or Maxigesic.
So, following a dental implant procedure the wound or surgical site heals faster than that for an extraction socket wound. The surgical site for the implant is kept small through the skill of the dentist, and any incision that is made is as atraumatic (minimal) as possible. This surgical site is also sutured closed so there is no bleeding or open wound. The post-operative discomfort related to implant placement is very minimal compared to a lot of other medical procedures.
There should be no pain at all after two weeks once the dental implant procedure has been completed, and you’ll be able to eat and chew normally once the injection has worn off. In rare cases there might be some complications that will make the procedure more difficult, and your dentist will talk you through what these complications mean for your specific situation, but for the most part, dental implant surgical procedures has become the standard of care and a very routine part of dental treatment and should not be considered more “frightening” than a regular check up with your dentist.
Dental Implants vs Extraction
The other reason that people have a fear of a dental implants procedure is that they mix it up with surgical extraction procedures, which can be uncomfortable after the procedure for several days up to two weeks approximately and require longer healing times.
A dental extraction can take months for the gum and bone to heal completely. The hole left from the removal of the tooth will be filled up slowly once the bone, gums, and soft tissues remodel in the area, and this takes our bodies up to three months to occur.
Following dental implants, there is no “hole” or socket that the mouth needs to heal or recover from. A titanium fixture is inserted into the jaw bone, effectively replacing what was there previously and the body does not need to “recover” from a major surgery – there is simply no undue trauma. There is also no large-scale suturing work that needs to be undertaken after a dental implant. Sutures will be placed after the dental implants procedure is completed but these sutures will resorb on their own and the friendly dentists at Cabramatta or Parramatta Dental Studio will ensure these are comfortable and remove these sutures for you once the soft tissue healing is adequate.
For More Information
Of course, you should always discuss any concerns you have regarding the potential pain following a dental implants operation and the Dental Implants healing process with your dentist. We are well aware that pain in the mouth is one of the most stressful and frustrating things that you can experience. Our team of expert dentists have a long history in dental implant procedures, and we are more than happy to discuss with you further details on the operation, and subsequent management of and discomfort you might experience. Contact us today on 9633 9835 or 9726 4313 to arrange an appointment with one of our expert dentists.