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How Painful is a Dental Implant?

If you have a missing tooth, you may be interested in filling the gap. One of the modern ways dental offices are offering to restore smiles is with dental implants. 

Continue reading to learn about this innovative solution. 

Information on Dental Implants

Dental implants are the closest you can get to natural teeth. They give people the confidence to smile, laugh, talk, and enjoy everyday activities without worrying about their appearance. These implants are not to be confused with bridges and dentures; although they fundamentally do the same thing, implants require surgery. Sadly, some people are scared of oral surgery, but they shouldn’t worry. 

Find out why dental implant insertion is worth it if you want to reclaim your smile. 

Dental Implant Surgery Should Be Painless

You shouldn’t feel pain during your procedure. However, you may feel vibrations from the drill, a bit of pressure, and lots of poking around in your mouth. Once your anesthesia wears off, you may feel slight discomfort, but nothing too severe. In rare instances, some people can go about their daily routine afterward without a problem. 

The truth is, most oral procedures are painless. However, a fear of the unknown can throw your mind into a spiral, especially when you’re sitting in the patient’s chair, unable to talk. If you’re well-researched, consult with a trusted oral surgeon, and know what to expect, dental work can feel less intimidating. 

Tips to Avoid Surprises

Healthcare practitioners are responsible for educating their patients on what will occur during their procedure as well as postoperative care. At the same time, it doesn’t hurt to do your own reading beforehand so that you can have an insightful discussion with your surgeon. 

Do the following:

  • Research in advance so that you arrive prepared with questions at your initial consultation.
  • Write down notes on your phone or notebook at your consultation so that you don’t forget anything.
  • Ask the office staff if there are pamphlets you can take home regarding the procedure. 
  • Talk to someone who has undergone dental implant insertion. Alternatively, you can look up online forums where people share their experiences. 

What Else Should I Keep in Mind?

Here’s some additional oral surgery advice to consider:

You may not leave the office with a new tooth: In some cases, a surgeon may split a dental implant procedure into multiple visits. Don’t worry; your surgeon won’t send you home with a hole in your smile. They may insert a temporary tooth, which can include a dental flipper (a partial denture) or a temporary crown. 

Stock your fridge with soft foods: Your surgeon may restrict you to a soft-food diet for a week or longer. It’s crucial to let your new implant settle in, so try your best to chew using your opposite side so that you don’t crunch down on your new tooth. 

Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah Can Help

Dental implant surgery is harmless, but some people are more sensitive than others. At Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah, our board-certified oral surgeons specialize in dental implant insertion. We will make sure you feel comfortable throughout your procedure. We have offices in South Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, and Tooele. Schedule your free consultation today

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