Losing a permanent tooth can impact your daily life in many ways. Not only is it harder to eat, speak, and smile without a complete set of pearly whites, but it can also affect your oral health. Many patients don’t realize that their jawbone begins to deteriorate without a root to stimulate additional bone growth every time they bite down.
Fortunately, dental implants include a titanium rod inserted directly into your jawbone to keep it active and healthy. Many experts consider them the ideal replacement because of this and the many unique advantages they provide. However, you might avoid the procedure if you’re unsure whether they cause discomfort.
Continue reading to learn more about what these prosthetics feel like so you can set your concerns aside!
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
Your smile impacts everything from your health to your self-esteem, so it’s only natural to want to make an informed decision about the best way to rebuild it. Although dental implants are highly recommended, you might wonder if they’ll look or feel out of place in your mouth.
Your dentist knows that many people feel anxious about artificial teeth, and rest assured, they’ll do everything they can to help you feel comfortable. You’ll be numbed and sedated for the procedure itself, so you won’t experience any unpleasantness until the medications wear off afterward. Then, it’s normal to have some aches and inflammation for 24 to 72 hours, but these symptoms typically subside within a week or so.
Do Dental Implants Feel Like Teeth?
It can take several weeks or months for you to fully recover from your implant surgery because your jawbone must fuse with the titanium rods in a process called osseointegration. Once that’s complete, your restoration is firmly embedded potentially for the remainder of your life. You might worry that the metal will seem foreign in your mouth, but you likely won’t feel it because there are no nerve endings to trigger.
Furthermore, unlike dental bridges and dentures, these prosthetics are sturdy standalone structures that don’t rely on neighboring teeth or gum tissue to stay put. They’re more self-contained, just like the pearly whites you were born with.
Once you’ve recovered, your dentist will provide a lifelike restoration made of resilient, tooth-colored materials for seamless results. The durable ceramic used can reflect light like enamel, though it’s coated with a glaze strong enough to resist chips and stains.
Although there are several ways to potentially rebuild your grin, dental implants look and feel the most like your natural teeth!
About the Author
Dr. Phillip Sehnert has about 40 years of experience helping people enhance their daily quality of life by improving their oral health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas and graduated in the top 10% of his class. He continues his education with ongoing courses and is a member of several professional groups, including the American Dental Association, so you know your smile is in good hands. He partners with the best specialists in the area to provide lifelike restorations meant to last. If you’re interested in implants, you can request a consultation on the website or call (972) 634-7779.