Getting dental implants is an increasingly popular solution for those with missing teeth. If you are considering them, it’s important to understand the procedure and what to expect before getting them.
During the initial dental implant consultation, our appropriately qualified health practitioner (who has vast experience with dental implants!) will assess whether you’re a good candidate for the restoration and explain what to expect during the treatment.
Any questions or concerns you have should be discussed with our dentist immediately, especially if you are wondering, “is dental implant painful?”
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are an innovative and reliable solution for people who are missing natural teeth, offering a durable and aesthetically pleasing replacement.
Through minimally invasive surgery, dental implants can be placed directly into the jawbone to replace one or multiple missing teeth.
The implant acts as an artificial tooth root, providing the foundation for a natural-looking permanent restoration.
Dental implants allow patients to enjoy superior comfort and aesthetic results compared to traditional bridges and dentures.
Who needs dental implants?
Most patients require dental implants as a result of various dental conditions, the most common being:
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious dental problem that can lead to missing teeth.
It is caused by improper oral hygiene and weakens the tissues and bone that support your teeth, causing them to become loose, fall out or need to be removed.
Trauma
Trauma caused by car crashes, sports collisions, or even slipping on ice can cause teeth to chip, fracture, or even break off completely.
If the tooth has avulsed or is damaged enough to harm your gum tissue or adjoining teeth, it may need restorative surgery to repair or get completely replaced by a dental implant.
Dental decay
Poor dental hygiene can cause dental decay, leading to missing teeth when it progresses beyond the point where fillings or other restoration treatments are effective.
When this happens, it leads to structural weakening of the teeth and jawbone and eventually missing teeth if not treated soon enough.
What is the process of getting dental implants?
Getting dental implants involves several stages, typically spanning several months.
First, the dentist will evaluate your oral health and create a surgical plan to place the implant in your jawbone.
Once this is done, the implant will need time to integrate with the surrounding bone tissue before being fitted with a connector called the abutment.
This abutment is placed on the implant post and comes above the gum line.
Once the gum tissue has healed from the abutment fitting, the dental crown is placed on top of the abutment, completing the restoration procedure.
During this integration process, it is important you maintain excellent oral hygiene habits.
A clean mouth is key to ensuring that there is no infection surrounding the area of surgery, which can increase the risk of implant failure or lead to problems like periodontal disease, which affect your oral and general health.
Advantages of dental implants
The advantages of getting dental implants are numerous and can be life-changing. Some top reasons to opt for a dental implant treatment are:
- They provide a permanent solution to missing teeth, as opposed to other treatments, such as bridges which may only last for a few years.
- They function like real teeth and can help restore your full smile. It also looks and feels natural so that you can smile confidently once again.
- They improve overall oral health, helping preserve healthy bone levels in the area where you’re missing teeth, and can stop neighbouring teeth from shifting into gaps where they shouldn’t be.
A key question that almost every patient thinking about restorative dental treatment asks us is: are dental implants painful?
Is a dental implant painful?
A dental implant is a minimal-discomfort procedure.
In fact, the process of getting a dental implant is designed to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible from the first step to the last!
During the procedure, our experienced dental practitioners will carefully numb the implant site with a local anaesthetic so that you shouldn’t be able to feel any discomfort.
In rare cases, general anaesthesia may be required.
Additionally, modern dental implants are small and don’t require long incisions or sutures, which may cause pain or require a longer healing period.
After the procedure is over and the effects of anaesthesia wear off, most people report insignificant levels of discomfort caused by dental implants.
However, milder sensations such as soreness or slight tenderness may be experienced in some cases but can generally be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or other medications prescribed by our caring dentist if needed.
Ultimately, while there might be some minor discomfort associated with getting a dental implant, it’s typically nothing that should prevent you from getting one if it’s what you need for your oral health or desire to get the smile of your dreams.
How to improve the chances of a successful implant
Before getting tooth implants, it’s crucial to ensure you’re in good overall health since any invasive procedure carries risks. Poor oral hygiene can lead to complex problems if not treated before a dental implant procedure.
The dental implant process is a surgical or invasive procedure that requires appropriate planning and consideration before moving forward.
Speaking to our appropriately qualified practitioner in detail will ensure you get exceptional treatment to give you a healthy smile that you can show off for many years!
Choose highly rated dental implants services in Brisbane
At Carindale Family Dentist, we understand how anxious you may be about dental implant surgery.
That’s why our caring and gentle dentists will take the time to ease your concerns and answer your questions with patience and empathy.
Our dentists have years of experience with dental implants and managing dental implant pain, so you can rest assured that your treatment plan is in good hands. Our two clinics are equipped with the latest dental technology.
From pre-treatments such as bone grafts to careful follow-up care and support, our team is dedicated to providing top-tier service at every step of the implant treatment.
So if you’re seeking a high-quality and comfortable dental implant treatment, choose Carindale Family Dentist for exceptional care from start to finish! Book your appointment by calling on these numbers today!
Millennium Centre: (07) 3324 9172
Metropol 2 Centre: (07) 3324 9104
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental implant surgery – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
Dental Implants: What You Should Know | FDA
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-implants-what-you-should-know