In Australia, it is estimated that 10% of people over 15 years old have inadequate dentition and tooth loss due to tooth decay or gum disease. After 75 years old, this figure increases to 46%.
Losing a tooth can lead to long-term problems like bone loss and facial collapse. Dental implants are designed to address these issues by fusing a new artificial root into the jawbone and providing a stable foundation for artificial prosthetic teeth.
This restores your smile’s appearance and helps prevent bone resorption and tooth misalignment. Dental implants can also be used to support dentures and bridges.
Many people are anxious about dental procedures and wonder are dental implants painful or difficult to place.
Dental implant procedures are typically not painful. Most people report feeling very little dental implant pain during dental procedures. Dentists numb all areas affected by the procedure and will discuss other pain management options. If you are feeling particularly anxious, ask the dentist at Available Dental Care about sedation options.
Are Dental Implants Painful: The Dental Implant Procedure
A dental implant is a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. For patients worried about discomfort, the procedure is relatively simple and can be performed in a single visit under local anaesthetic. This means you may feel pressure during the process, but it is unlikely that you will feel significant discomfort.
The steps include:
- The implant site is prepared by making a small incision in the gum tissue. A titanium post is placed into the bone socket, and the wound is sutured and covered with a healing cap.
- Once the post has bonded with the bone, an abutment is attached to the post in a separate surgery. Digital images are taken of the mouth to create the restoration.
- A dental crown is placed on top of the abutment to complete the procedure.
Dental Implant Aftercare
It is common to feel mild discomfort around the implantation site after the anaesthesia wears off. Whether dental implants are painful or not depends on your pain tolerance, immune system, and aftercare. Any discomfort usually resolves within a few days with over-the-counter pain medication.
It is important to follow your aftercare instructions for successful osseointegration, which is when the bone around the implant fuses to the titanium post.
Some common aftercare instructions may include:
- Brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Be sure to brush around the base of the implant posts where they meet the gum line.
- Rinse with saline solution morning, evening, and after meals.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist will be able to monitor the health of your dental implants and spot any problems early on.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking can increase the risk of implant failure and gum disease.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking too much alcohol can cause inflammation and irritation of the gums, leading to gum disease.
What If I Experience Dental Implant Pain?
While most surgeries go smoothly, there are always potential complications that can occur. Common complications that may cause dental implant pain include:
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Infection
This can occur at the site of the incision of a dental implant and is usually due to poor aftercare and inadequate oral hygiene. Infections can be painful and may require additional treatment such as antibiotics.
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Damage to nerves
If the implant post is embedded too deeply in the jaw, it may irritate the alveolar nerve. This can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the dental implant area.
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Peri-implantitis
Some people can experience inflammation of the soft and hard tissue around dental implants, causing bone loss and implant failure. This can be painful and may require antibiotics or other treatment.
Should I Get Dental Implants?
The dental implant is a popular treatment for missing teeth, and it can be an option for people of all ages. However, certain criteria must be met for the procedure to be successful. 
- Candidates for a dental implant must have sufficient bone density and thickness and healthy gum tissue to support the implant.
- They must commit to maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting their dentist regularly.
- They should be prepared for a lengthy treatment process, as it typically takes three to six months for an implant to fuse with the jawbone fully.
If you think you may be a candidate for dental implants, schedule a consultation with your dentist or contact Available Dental Care for a free dental consultation near you to discuss your options.
Get a Free Consultation at Your Local Dental Clinic in Campbelltown
If you are considering dental implants, contact a dentist that offers a free consultation at Available Dental Care in Campbelltown. We will listen to your concerns and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
If you have questions like are dental implants painful, the dentist can discuss your concerns with you. We offer various sedation methods to manage anxiety about dental implant pain, and you can be confident that you are receiving the highest standard of care possible. Contact us today on (02) 4062 8763 to schedule your free consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental Health
https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/dental-health
Dental Implants: What to Expect, Complications, Procedure, and FAQs
https://askthedentist.com/dental-implants/
Dental health
https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/dental-health