Albertville, AL
If you happen to have missing teeth, dental implant surgery is the most effective method of tooth replacement in Albertville to restore your smile. An implant procedure is different from other methods of tooth replacement, thanks to the implant screw itself. This implant screw is a post made of a durable metal–usually titanium–and is inserted into the jawbone where the kissing tooth once resided. The post then fuses with your jawbone, replacing the stimulation that previously came from the tooth root. Perhaps you have an implant surgery appointment coming up, but you’re nervous about the potential pain? Your Wall Street dentist explores that in this article.
What is involved in dental implant surgery?
It is important to remember that dental implant surgery is still surgery. This means there’s always some level of risk and potential for discomfort. It’s helpful to have a general understanding of the implant process to gain a realistic scope of what to expect.
Before the implant is placed, the area may be prepped with a bone graft. Bone grafts encourage the growth of new bone, helping to strengthen the jaw and make certain the implant will integrate with your jawbone.
During your procedure, your Boaz implant dentist will drill a hole in your jawbone and place the implant post. This serves as the “root” of your replacement tooth. Once the post is inserted, your body will need time to heal so the screw will fuse to your jawbone. This process takes months, though the complete time frame varies from person to person. Follow the recovery instructions of your dentist to the letter, to ensure your body does not reject the implant screw.
Once the first healing process is complete, an abutment is placed. This is a component that connects the implant post to the dental crown that completes your replacement tooth. Once complete, your implant will look, feel and function more like a genuine tooth than any other method of restorative dentistry.
How painful is the implant surgery?
For the duration of the actual surgery, your mouth should be completely numbed, minimizing any discomfort you may experience. Following the procedure, you may be prescribed a pain reliever to help mitigate irritation at the implant site. Sometimes, the pain may be mild enough that over-the-counter medication can manage the discomfort. Any pain you experience should subside approximately ten days after the procedure. If severe pain persists, then contact our office in Albertville immediately. This could be a sign of infection or failure of the implant; either will need immediate dental treatment.
Dental implants in Albertville, Boaz and Guntersville, Alabama
If you’re considering dental implants, the fear of post-surgery discomfort should not discourage you. Although there’s no desire to be in pain, the time and money spent having your implant procedure will leave you with a restored, beautiful smile that you can keep for the rest of your life with proper care. Our dedicated team of dentists at Wall Street Dentistry provide a variety of restorative and cosmetic procedures to fit your oral health’s unique needs. If you are considering dental implants or want to schedule a consultation, visit us online or call (256) 878-0525 to speak with our team today.
