Getting full dental implants may improve your confidence, especially if you have several lost teeth. According to science, smiling may improve the first impression you give someone.
But there is the matter of if full dental implants hurt or not. If you’re thinking about getting dental implants and you’re curious about the procedure and the pain, keep reading to get all your questions answered.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an alternative to bridges and dentures by replacing missing teeth. The difference between the implants, bridges, and dentures, is that implants are permanent and they’re not removable. Dental implants also have over a 90% success rate.
The dental implant is composed of three parts: the implant itself which is made of titanium, the abutment or hook that connect the false tooth to the implant, and then the false tooth, or crown.
Implants fuse to your jawbone to keep the false tooth in place. The tooth is crafted to resemble your current teeth, so they look and feel unnoticeable. Another perk of dental implants is that there are almost no restrictions on what you can eat and you care for implants the same way you care for your normal teeth.
Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants
Generally speaking, anyone with healthy gums and no serious health concerns is a good candidate for dental implants. There are some caveats, however.
If you have a weak jaw bone, you may not be eligible for implants because your jaw bone holds the implant in place. Other diseases or illnesses that require daily medications might have an impact on the body, and as a result, weaken the bones.
In most cases, many people are cleared for dental implants and it’s best to discuss it with your dentist to ensure that you’re a good candidate before moving forward.
Are Full Dental Implants Painful?
Getting dental implants is qualified as oral surgery because the dentist will need to cut into your gums. While the procedures for dental implants are more invasive, you’re probably wondering if the procedure itself is painful.
Dental technology has advanced well enough that the dental implant procedure itself is relatively painless. The dentist provides an anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain during and after the surgery until it wears off. You might feel some pressure or tingling during the surgery, but it will mostly be pain-free due to the anesthetic.
While it’s a pain-free procedure, you will have some discomfort after the anesthetic wears off and you enter your recovery period. Your dentist may prescribe some pain medication to deal with the pain for the first few days until it wears off.
The Procedure For Dental Implants
Dental implants are a two-step procedure. It’s never a one-stop dental visit, and on most occasions can take several months before the entire process is complete.
The first step is oral surgery. At your dentist’s office, they will numb your gums with a local anesthetic or give you pain medication before the surgery. Once you’re asleep, the dentist will begin their work.
Surgical times vary based on how many dental implants you want. Generally speaking, dental implants take about 1-2 hours per implant, so if you’re getting full mouth implants, it could take more than one visit.
After the surgery, you will enter a stage of recovery. During this time, you’ll need to follow post-surgical instructions to ensure that your implant heals properly before you have the other parts attached.
You will feel tenderness or discomfort for about 72 hours after the anesthetic wears off and you may experience some swelling as well. But this is very manageable with pain medications and by following your dentist’s directions. Here are some possible ways you can treat your discomfort from home:
- Ice packs
- Salt rinses
- OTC pain medications like Tylenol
- No solid foods for 48 hours
- No hot food for 3-4 days
- Avoid sipping through a straw for the first day
You can expect your initial recovery period to last about 7-10 days depending on how well you treat your implant, and how many implants you have.
The Cost of Dental Implants
When you’re thinking about getting dental implants, one of the first things that come to mind is the cost. How much can you be expected to spend?
It’s important to remember that many dentists are offering cheap dental implants that are not high-quality and may end up being harmful. You want to ensure that your dentist is knowledgeable and has education and experience in doing dental implants.
The cost of dental implants might invoke some sticker shock in some people, but it’s important to remember that dental implants performed by an educated dentist will offer longevity. One dental implant costs $1,000 so a full mouth will cost much more.
However, the cost shouldn’t discourage you from getting dental implants. In some cases, insurance may cover some of the cost if you’ve lost teeth due to trauma or if you have specialized insurance. Check with your insurance plan to see if anything is covered.
Dental offices also offer financing plans that make dental implants more affordable and take the stress of financing off your shoulders.
Remember that gaps in your teeth can lead to other health problems, which in turn can lead to more medical bills. Gaps in your teeth are a doorway for bacteria to enter your body and may cause other oral issues, or impact facial infrastructures.
Full Dental Implants For You
Full dental implants are a great way to restore your mouth to a healthy state and improve your confidence. It’s a relatively pain-free procedure, and you can manage most of the pain at home.
Do you have more questions about dental implants? Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have! Contact our office today to learn more.