A missing tooth can cause gum recession, weaken adjacent teeth, degrade the jaw bone, or deprive you of your smile. The traditional remedy for missing teeth was the use of bridges and dentures. However, dental implants have become very popular. Since a dental implant is a surgical procedure, most patients are wary about it and the pain it might cause.
Dental implant surgery involves several steps. The dentist first creates a treatment plan that allows you to have personalized care based on your implant option. The dentist then inserts a root implant in the missing tooth's jaw bone. The implant is characterized by mild pain, mainly felt immediately after the procedure.
The pain you will experience after the surgical procedure is not due to the hole created during the implant placement. It comes from the manipulation of soft tissues occurring during the operation.
This means the dental implant is painless in procedures where lifting the gum tissue is unnecessary. You may experience pain for the first few days if the tissue is affected. However, you can manage the pain by taking over-the-counter painkillers. The pain level can be higher in circumstances where bone grafting is necessary. However, even if the procedure is invasive, the pain shouldn't last more than ten days.
If you experience persistent pain after ten days, you should reach out to your dentist immediately. Excessive pain or discomfort can be a sign of an infection. If this is the case, the professional must act quickly to salvage the situation.
As with other surgical procedures, your tissues need some time to heal. The healing period may vary depending on your overall health and the complexity of the procedure.
Typically you may experience pain and swelling during the first three days. During this period, dentists recommend eating soft foods. You can begin eating solid foods such as rice and pasta three days after the surgery. It is advisable to avoid brushing the implant area directly during this period.
One week after the surgery, your mouth will have recovered significantly, and you can begin brushing the area around the implant directly. After two weeks, you will fully recover, although the implant area may feel a bit tender.
An implant is a dental procedure that shouldn't be painful. However, depending on the work done, you may expect to feel some discomfort. The short-term pain outweighs the risk of having missing teeth.
Are you looking to get a dental implant in Baton Rouge? We are ready to help at Stevens Dental. Dr. Kasan Stevens is committed to offering dental patients a calm, compassionate, comfortable oral care service. After the implant, you can smile, laugh, and eat without embarrassment. Don't let a missing tooth affect your confidence or well-being. Contact us online or call us at (225) 291-2111 for more inquiries.
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