Missing teeth can cause several problems in your daily life. You might feel self-conscious about showing off your smile or have trouble eating your favorite foods. A reliable way you can replace them is with dental implants. They effectively restore the entire structure from the root up, but what do they feel like? Here’s what you should expect every step of the way toward your full grin.
What Should I Expect During Placement Surgery?
You will need to have oral surgery to have your dental implant inserted into your jawbone. This is what gives you the stable bite they are known for, but thankfully, this procedure is relatively easy. You will be numbed before starting and given dental sedation to ease any anxiety. Many patients say they don’t experience outright discomfort, but pressure as their dentist works.
How Will Dental Implants Feel During My Recovery?
Once you are all done, you are likely to be sore and have some swelling once the local anesthesia wears off. What you feel may be compared to having a tooth extracted, but thankfully, the tenderness can be relieved by following your provider’s post-op instructions and taking over-the-counter medication.
Your dental implant will then start to fuse to your jawbone over the next several months. This is a process known as osseointegration, but you likely won’t feel much during this part. Continue doing what your dentist says to ensure this step goes without a hitch.
Will My Results with Dental Implants Be Comfortable?
When you are all done, and your restoration is placed on top of your fully healed implant, you might notice how it fits in seamlessly. This tooth replacement often doesn’t feel much different from a natural tooth. When you bite and chew, you might feel that pressure get sent down into your gums. Better yet, your results will look lifelike as well. That way, you can laugh, talk, and eat confidently.
In the end, dental implants are a great choice for many people. They are effective at restoring missing teeth without any slippage and can last a lifetime with proper care. By talking to your dentist, you can make sure they are right for you and get the results you love.
About the Author
Dr. Jenny Hong earned her dental degree from the University of Toronto. She has since completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Temple University. Dr. Hong has also done the special training she needs to place dental implants in-house, allowing those in the Morgan Hill community to stick with her and her team while getting a full smile. If you want to learn more about whether this treatment is a good fit for you, schedule an appointment or call her office at (408) 763-3008.