Smile Sensations: What Do Dental Implants Feel Like?

Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. For instance, you might feel self-conscious about the changes to your appearance, or struggle to eat and speak normally.

Your dentist can rebuild your smile with dental implants, which many experts consider the ideal solution for missing teeth. However, you might avoid this procedure if you’re unsure whether your restorations will look or feel natural. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect from dental implants!

What Are Dental Implants?

Unlike dentures or dental bridges, these replacement teeth include a titanium rod that’s surgically embedded in your jaw. Then, it takes about three to six months to recover, because that’s about how long it usually takes to generate enough new bone growth for to fuse with the biocompatible material.

Once you’ve healed sufficiently, your dentist caps it with a lifelike restoration, such as a dental crown, made from tooth-colored porcelain. This material can be customized to match the size, shape, and tone of your natural teeth for a resilient, lifelike replacement tooth. It also resists chipping and staining, and can last 25+ years if cared for correctly, making it a more permanent solution than alternative treatments.

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

It’s normal to worry that your procedure might hurt, but your dentist will do everything they can to help you feel at ease. For example, if they do not offer this procedure in the office, they may refer you to a specialist, such as an oral surgeon, so you can trust that you’re in skilled hands.

Next, your provider will probably numb and/or sedate you to help you remain relaxed and comfortable throughout the surgery. That means you won’t have to be concerned about potential aches until the medications wear off after your procedure.

Then, it’s natural to develop some aches and inflammation for several days following your appointment. This usually peaks after the third day and begins to subside, but if you experience persistent or severe pain, you should contact your dentist to ensure you’re recovering as intended.

What Do Dental Implants Feel Like After Recovery?

After your connective tissues mend, your dentist can make impressions to begin building your customized dental crown (or bridge or dentures, depending on how many teeth you are replacing). The process of fitting this restoration doesn’t usually hurt, but you might be sore afterwards as your mouth adjusts to its presence.

After your mouth has acclimated to your new tooth, you shouldn’t be able to feel it much at all. They don’t rely on a connection with healthy teeth or gums to remain in place, like dentures and bridges, so they don’t cut off circulation or cause sores.

Instead, your dental implant might function so much like natural teeth that you forget it’s there!

Meet the Author

Dr. Tyler Schaffeld enjoys helping patients in Enterprise improve their daily lives by enhancing their oral health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Oregon Health and Science University, and today, is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association. He partners with accomplished local experts for dental implant placement, then can provide a beautiful restoration using resilient, lifelike materials. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (541) 426-3783.