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For those considering dental implants, the question of pain is a primary concern. Dental implant surgery involves the placement of artificial tooth roots into the jawbone, offering a long-lasting solution to missing teeth. In this blog, we will explore the level of pain/ discomfort associated with dental implants and compare it with other common dental procedures. Understanding the pain levels and comparing them can help you make informed decisions about your dental care.
Ok - let’s agree from the onset that most dental treatments are not pleasurable experiences. Unleashing someone into one of your most delicate and personal spaces takes a lot of trust. It’s for this reason sometimes people chose to avoid addressing problems until they become bigger problems which require more complex treatments which may have many stages. The culmination of this deterioration is quite often loss of a tooth or teeth.
Losing teeth is obviously a negative experience which becomes necessary because the teeth are painful, fractured, or mobile. Once the tooth/teeth are lost you might want to avoid any dental experiences as you are no longer in pain even though you realise that this might lead to further problems downline. Less teeth having to shoulder the same loads as before results in more stress on each tooth which will lead to faster unravelling and loss of your dentition.
So, what is stopping you from addressing the issues whilst they are smaller?
A few gaps are easier to address than extensive loss of teeth. Most people are worried that the procedures might be uncomfortable and painful. Also, since it is elective sometimes people are not motivated to address the situation until it become really debilitating. So, let’s consider each option in turn.
Dental implant surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring that patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. Any post-operative discomfort is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications. If the gum has to be cut open to place implants, then there may be some pain and swelling associated with this. Most implant surgeons have to cut the gum so that they can see the bone to place the implants as well as take measurements. However, newer technologies such as Navigation guide Surgery have markedly improved this experience. With this technology we are able to digital planning your treatment on a virtual replica of your jaw (without you even being there!). On the day of the treatment this machine guides us very accurately to allow us to place the implant straight through your gum without having to cut any skin. No cuts mean no stitches which means faster healing for you. Many patients comment that they felt little or no discomfort the very next day and they were able to go back to work. This is often the experience you will have if you address the problem as soon as it occurs.
If you wait longer and the problem worsens i.e. an abscess which destroys the bone around the tooth or the skin deteriorates or the you wear a denture which wears down the bone then you may need additional procedures to address each of these issues in turn before you can have an implant.
That being said many of these procedures can be achieved using a laser which markedly help with the healing and after discomfort. Other natural products such as PRF (derived from you own blood) has naturally powerful painkillers, immune cells, and anti-inflammatories to help control the healing.
But my advice – don’t procrastinate. Deal with it sooner and heal faster with much more comfort and less procedures.
When comparing dental implants with dental bridges, the pain levels can vary. Dental bridges require the preparation of adjacent healthy teeth to support the prosthetic tooth, which may cause some discomfort after the procedure. However, the pain and sensitivity is usually manageable and diminishes with proper post-operative care. Cutting teeth risks them dying and then you need root canal treatment. Our experience shows that 20% of teeth can die in this manner. Dental implants, on the other hand, do not involve the alteration of adjacent teeth and are often considered more comfortable in the long term. Interestingly, many people forget which teeth have implants as they are so comfortable.
Dentures are removable prosthetics used to replace missing teeth. While they do not require surgery, they may cause discomfort during the initial adjustment period as the mouth gets used to the appliance. Ill-fitting dentures can also lead to sore spots and irritation. Dentures also tend to exert side loads on your own teeth not to mention putting pressure on the gum which can wear the jaw bone away. Dentures are seen as a compromise solution which replaces teeth supported by bone with something that sits on the gum.
It’s like you needing a new hip but instead you are given a crutch.
Root canal treatment is performed to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the tooth's nerve and pulp, which can cause mild discomfort during and after the procedure. However, with advancements in anaesthesia and pain management techniques, root canal treatment has become relatively painless. Root treated teeth can also become more prone to fracture as they no longer have a blood supply and hence no access to nutrients.
Conclusion:
In summary, dental implant surgery is a relatively painless procedure that provides a long-lasting solution to missing teeth. While some discomfort is expected during the recovery period, it is generally manageable with over-the-counter pain medications or even better, laser bio-stimulation. When compared to other dental procedures like dental bridges and dentures, dental implants often emerge as a more beneficial solution as they support your other teeth and help them last longer.
It is essential to remember that individual pain tolerance may vary, and consulting with a qualified dentist is crucial to determine the most suitable treatment plan. With proper care and regular dental health checks, dental implants can offer a confident smile and improved oral health for years to come.
If you're looking for professional dental implant services, reach out to Integrated Dentalcare where our experienced team ensures a comfortable and pain-free dental experience using the latest technology and a kind touch to help you through your dental journey.
1 Manor Place Edinburgh EH3 7DH
