What is the Process for Dental Implants Like?

If you’re looking for ways to replace one or several missing teeth, dental implants offer some of the best benefits. But it’s common to have concerns about the procedure itself.

At The Goodman Dental Center, in Queen’s Creek, AZ, Brian Goodman, DDS, and Tanner Goodman, DMD, and our team understand your concerns. When you undergo any restorative procedure, such as dental implants, we do everything we can to keep you comfortable so you have a positive experience. 

When it comes to getting dental implants, the first question our patients usually ask is: Does it hurt? Here’s what you need to know about this relatively painless in-office procedure and whether replacing your missing teeth with implants is right for you.

It’s a relatively easy, comfortable process

After having dental implant surgery, most of our patients comment that it was much less painful than they expected. Even though getting a dental implant is a surgical procedure, it’s tolerable for most people. Plus, the long-term results of dental implants are totally worth it because implants are the next best thing to natural teeth. 

During the procedure itself, your provider administers a local anesthetic to numb your mouth so you don’t feel any pain at all. Just like having a cavity filled, getting an implant is a very common and straightforward procedure. 

How getting dental implants works

Getting a dental implant is usually a multistep process. First, we take X-rays or a 3D scan of your mouth so your provider can closely evaluate the health of your gum tissue and jawbone. Don’t worry — this step is completely painless.

Impressions

Next, your provider makes impressions of your mouth, either using special materials or electronically. For some people, having a tray filled with a rubber-like substance in your mouth during this stage isn’t pleasant. But it’s over rather quickly, and it’s not a painful experience in any way.

Extractions

If the tooth you’re replacing with a dental implant is missing already, you don’t have to worry about having it removed (extracted). However, a damaged or decayed tooth that’s still intact needs to come out before you can get your new implant. Your provider removes the tooth while you’re under local or general anesthesia — which ensures that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during this step, either. 

Implants

When the area of your mouth is ready for your new dental implant, your provider drills a hole into your jawbone to insert the new “root” of your tooth — a titanium post. Again, you shouldn’t feel anything during this step, thanks to a local anesthetic. As your jawbone heals, it fuses to the titanium root. You may notice soreness as the site heals, but this is normal and manageable.

Abutments

After your mouth heals — which can take several weeks — you return to our office so your provider can attach an abutment to the implanted root. The abutment functions as a connector between the titanium post and a tooth-shaped crown. Sometimes, you can receive your root implant and abutment during the same appointment. 

Crowns

Finally, once your mouth has completely healed and you have a strong, healthy foundation for your new tooth, your provider installs your permanent, custom-made crown. The crown attaches to the abutment, creating a brand-new, fully functioning, and natural-looking tooth that can last a lifetime. 

What to expect when you get dental implants

Each step of the dental implant process shouldn’t be painful. However, you may feel some discomfort when the numbness from your anesthetic wears off after the extraction, implant, or abutment procedures. In most cases, you can manage any pain you have with over-the-counter pain relievers, and this soreness subsides within a few days. 

After having a dental implant appointment, some people return to their daily activities immediately, while others prefer resting at home and taking it easy as their anesthesia wears off. Stock up on soft foods, and avoid brushing the area too hard so your delicate gum tissue can heal. Your provider gives you with instructions to ensure you have an easy and comfortable recovery. 

Remember, the anticipation and fear regarding a dental procedure you’ve never had before is totally normal — and it’s often worse than the procedure itself. If you have any concerns about pain during the implant process, we can answer all of your questions so you feel entirely at ease moving forward to get your beautiful new tooth through dental restoration. 

Don’t wait to replace a missing tooth because of your fear of pain. Call our office or set up a consultation online so we can help you understand the process and ease your concerns.