What to Expect During a Bethesda, MD Dental Implant Surgery: Will You Be in Pain?

When it comes to replacements for missing teeth, dental implants offer the most benefits compared to other restoration options. Dental implants last for several decades and are the sturdiest and most natural-looking teeth replacement option. Your Bethesda, MD dentist will insert a titanium screw into your jawbone, fusing with it to offer unmatched durability and resistance to daily chewing and biting. 

For a lot of people, the idea of getting implanted screws can be intimidating. So, they might be wondering if getting implants is painful. If you are considering dental implants as a replacement for your missing teeth, read on to know what to expect from the procedure:

What Occurs During the Implant Procedure?

The procedure starts with making an incision in your gums and drilling into your jawbone to create space for the implant. Once the screw has been implanted, an abutment piece is attached, connecting the titanium screw to a temporary crown. The screw needs to be allowed to fully fuse with your jawbone before your permanent dental crown will be attached to the abutment. 

The dental implant procedure is a major oral surgery, but your dentist will employ anesthesia or sedation. Thus, you may not feel any pain at all. Also, the jawbone does not have nerves, which means that following the making of an incision in your gums, you will only feel pressure while your dentist implants the screw and no pain. Also, your dentist might provide you with pain medication before the procedure.

What Can You Expect Following the Procedure?

After the implant procedure, you may feel discomfort in the implant site, jaw, or face for a few days. But you relieve this discomfort with over-the-counter medications. If you got several implants, you may be prescribed a stronger painkiller. You can expect no further discomfort within a couple of weeks as your implant continues to heal. By the 14th day following the procedure, you can still experience pain and swelling. If you suspect you have an infection, you must go to your dentist right away.

Maximizing the Healing Process

There are steps you can take to reduce your discomfort from the implant procedure and maximize your health. You must follow the postoperative instructions of your dentist, including taking prescribed antibiotics. Also, you need to maintain good oral hygiene while being gentle around the surgery site. To relieve your discomfort and help the healing process, you can also use a cold compress, eat a liquid diet for a day or two, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater, and attend your follow-up dental appointments.