Dental implants are a popular way to replace missing teeth, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. However, many patients are cautious about asking for them because they don’t know what they’ll experience. Are they painful? Itchy? Annoying? If you’re considering dental implants, it’s only natural to wonder how they’ll feel in your mouth. So, continue reading to see what you may experience with dental implants, from surgery to full integration.
Sensations During the Procedure
The process of getting dental implants involves a few stages, starting with the surgical placement of the implant. Here’s what to expect:
Numbing the Area
Before the procedure begins, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. You might feel a slight pinch from the injection, but after that, the area should be numb, and you won’t feel pain during the surgery.
Placing the Implant
Once the area is numb, your dentist will place the titanium implant into the jawbone. While you shouldn’t feel pain, you may experience some pressure or vibrations as they work. The sensation is similar to other dental procedures, like getting a filling.
How Dental Implants Feel After Surgery
As the anesthetic wears off after surgery, you may start to feel some discomfort. Here’s what you may experience:
Soreness and Swelling
It’s common to feel some soreness, swelling, and mild bruising around your implant site. However, this discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers or cold compresses and usually fades within a few days.
Adjusting to Your Implant
As your implant begins to fuse with your jawbone, it may feel slightly different. Some patients describe a sensation of having something in their mouth that they can’t reach with their tongue. This is because your gums will be closed over the top of the implant while it heals. This sensation usually fades as the implant becomes part of the jaw. Soon, you won’t feel it at all!
How Dental Implants Feel After Healing
Once your implant has fully integrated and the permanent crown is placed, it should feel much more like a natural tooth. Dental implants are designed to mimic the function of natural teeth, so you can expect them to feel stable and secure.
Once healed, most patients say they don’t notice or feel their implants unless they bite down on something hard. Then they feel the pressure in their gums and the difference between it and their natural teeth. For the most part, your implants will feel normal. However, there will be fewer sensations of heat, cold, or gentle pressure like regular teeth experience.
Understanding what dental implants feel like can help alleviate any concerns and prepare you for the experience. From the initial procedure to long-term living with implants, the sensations and adjustments are generally manageable and lead to a comfortable, natural-feeling solution for tooth replacement.
About the Practice
Dental implants are a complex procedure, so when you decide to get them, you need the best in Ellington. At Zahner Dental, our team uses the latest dental technology to provide accurate and long-lasting results with all our treatments. Whether you’re getting a cleaning or a dental implant, you’re in great hands! Call (860) 870-9031 to schedule a dental implant consultation or visit our website to explore other services.