If you are considering dental implant surgery, you have probably wondered: Do dental implants hurt?
Our goal here at Foley & Le Oral Surgery is to provide you with a comfortable experience and a clear understanding of what to expect during the dental implant process.
In this blog, we will briefly explain the dental implant procedure, sedation options available and how to manage pain after surgery.
Table of Contents
- The Dental Implant Procedure
- Managing Discomfort During and After Surgery
- Dental Implants in Boulder, CO
- Additional Resources
The Dental Implant Procedure
- Initial consultation: This first step involves a detailed examination to assess your oral health and determine the need for any preparatory procedures such as bone grafting.
- Implant placement: A titanium post, serving as the new tooth’s root, is surgically placed into the jawbone.
- Healing process: Post-surgery, you’ll go through a healing period where the implant integrates with the bone—a process known as osseointegration.
- Placement of the abutment and dental crown: After healing, an abutment is attached to the titanium post, followed by the dental crown, completing the look of your new tooth.
For a more detailed explanation of the procedure, read Dental Implant Procedure Step-by-Step: A Comprehensive Guide.
Managing Discomfort During and After Surgery
We offer a variety of sedation options to ensure your comfort, including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. The choice of sedation will depend on the complexity of your procedure and your comfort level.
You will not feel any pain during the procedure. Post-procedure pain is usually mild and can be managed with ice packs, over-the-counter pain medication, and by following our aftercare instructions closely.
Sedation Options at Foley & Le
To ensure your comfort, we offer the following sedation options:
- Nitrous oxide: Often known as “laughing gas,” this sedation method helps you relax during your procedure without putting you to sleep.
- Oral conscious sedation: Taken in pill form before your appointment, this sedation keeps you awake but deeply relaxed.
- IV moderate and deep sedation: Delivered directly into a vein, IV sedation allows you to be placed in a plane of anesthesia suitable for longer and more complex procedures.
- General anesthesia: For the most complex procedures or for patients with severe anxiety, general anesthesia provides a state of unconsciousness throughout the procedure.
What to Expect Post-Surgery
- Immediate aftercare: For optimum pain management, we recommend that you take 1 prescription pain pill immediately after surgery. Alternate between ibuprofen and prescription pain medication every three hours. Detailed instructions about aftercare and pain management will be shared with you before your surgery.
- Eating habits: Stick to soft foods and avoid strenuous exercise for the first few days after surgery to aid in the healing process. Read 50 Soft Foods to Eat After Dental Implant Surgery for more information about diet after a dental implant procedure.
- Follow-Up care: Adhere to post-surgery instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure the health of your gum tissue and the success of your implant.
The degree of discomfort experienced during the dental implant process can vary from person to person. However, with proper care, pain management, and the support of our experienced dental team, the entire process from initial consultation to recovery can be managed with minimal discomfort.
Our goal at Foley & Le is to ensure you’re well-informed, comfortable, and ultimately satisfied with your new, healthy smile.
Remember, dental implants are a significant investment in your oral health, offering a durable solution that, with proper care, can last a lifetime. If you have concerns about pain or any aspect of the dental implant procedure, our team is here to provide the information and support you need.
Dental Implants in Boulder, CO
At Foley & Le Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, oral surgeons are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care and ensuring your comfort throughout the process.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile! If you are searching for ‘dental implants near me’ or ‘dental implants in Boulder,’ we can help! Call (303) 444-2255 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.
Additional Resources
Dental Implants: The Best Solution For Missing Teeth
