Dental implants are a permanent solution to replace a missing tooth or several teeth and can be used as an alternative to removable dentures and bridges. However, dental implants do require surgery which can make some patients uneasy, especially when it comes to not knowing if the procedure is painful. Rest assured that your dentist in Chapel Hill is always here to help and is happy to explain what to expect during your dental implant treatment.
Dental Implant Procedure
While all implant procedures have similar steps, they do vary depending on the individual situation. Sometimes, patients will already be missing a tooth while other times a tooth will need to be removed before an implant can be placed. Additionally, there are times when patients need a bone graft first in order to reinforce the strength of the jaw bone. But once the area is prepared, your dentist will start the actual placement of an implant.
The first step in having a full dental implant is placing the implant post. This post is made of metal and it is similar to a screw. This post is placed into the jaw bone and provides a solid base as well as acts a natural tooth root. After the post is placed, there is a recovery period of a few months. This time is necessary to allow the implant post to fuse into the jaw bone.
The actual tooth-like portion of an implant procedure is called the crown. The crown is custom made to match other teeth so the restoration is seamless. But before the crown can be attached, your dentist will add an abutment on top of the post to serve as almost a pedestal for the crown to sit. The final result is a strong, permanent tooth replacement.
Dental Implant Pain
When it comes to the pain involved with getting a dental implant, it can vary from person to person, and any pain is typically reserved for immediately after the post placement. During the actual surgery, patients shouldn’t feel any pain as the area will be completely numb. In recovery, there may be some pain for about 10 days. If persistent pain continues after 10 days, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Chapel Hill. Pain after the 10-day healing period could be a sign of an infection or other problem so it’s important to get care quickly.
Anyone missing a tooth or several teeth can benefit from a dental implant consultation. Additionally, if a tooth is at risk of being lost or needing an extraction, you should talk with your dentist in Chapel Hill about all of your tooth replacement options.
