If you’re considering dental implants, it’s a common concern to think about potential pain and discomfort. The idea of oral surgery makes some people squeamish, but advances in dental techniques have made procedures like dental implants a much smoother, less painful experience. At New Smile Now, we prioritize your comfort. We don’t want you in pain, and if you do experience discomfort, we want to do everything in our power to minimize it.
In today’s guide, we’ll give you the honest truth about dental implants and the amount of pain (if any) you can expect during and after the surgery. So, let’s get started!
How Painful Are Dental Implants?
The dental implant process involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone to serve as a replacement tooth root. While this sounds pretty intense, modern techniques and anesthesia make the procedure surprisingly manageable.
During the surgery, the area is thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain while the procedure is happening. For anxious patients, sedation options can be available to ensure a more relaxed and comfortable experience.
After the surgery, mild discomfort is normal as your body begins the healing process. Most patients report a sensation similar to what you might feel after a tooth extraction — primarily tenderness and slight swelling. These feelings often peak within 48 hours and are easily controllable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Is Dental Implant Surgery Very Painful?
Not at all. Dental implant surgery is designed to minimize pain both during and after the procedure. As previously mentioned, local anesthesia makes the actual procedure a breeze for the vast majority of patients. You simply won’t be able to feel any pain. If you’re anxious, New Smile Now offers sedation options, as anxiety over potential pain can be uncomfortable, too.
Once the surgery is finished and the anesthesia wears off, you will experience minor soreness in the gums and jaw, but this is temporary. In our experience, patients are pleasantly surprised by how mild the discomfort is, especially compared to their initial fears and expectations. Recovery can be made even easier by following the post-operative care instructions to the letter, such as rinsing with warm salt water, avoiding hard foods, and using ice packs to reduce swelling.
For those undergoing additional procedures, such as bone grafting or multiple implants, the recovery might involve slightly more discomfort. However, even complex cases can be handled with minimal pain.
Do They Put You to Sleep for Dental Implants?
Whether you’re asleep during dental implant surgery depends on your preferences and the complexity of your case. At New Smile Now, we offer several options:
- Local Anesthesia – This is the most common solution, as it is the safest for patients in need of dental implants. Local anesthesia numbs the surgical site, ensuring a pain-free experience while you remain awake.
- Sedation – For those with dental anxiety or longer procedures, options like IV sedation or oral sedatives can keep you calm and comfortable.
- General Anesthesia – Rarely used but available for highly complex cases, general anesthesia ensures that patients are fully unconscious during the procedure.
Get Dental Implants With New Smile Now
Are you ready to get your dental implants? Do you live in or near Chico, California? If so, New Smile Now is the solution for you. Don’t wait to achieve the smile of your dreams. Reach out to us today to learn more or schedule an appointment!
