In our experience, one of the biggest barriers to people choosing dental implants in Lancaster to restore their missing teeth is fear that it will be a painful and unpleasant procedure. “Will it hurt?” is a question we hear all the time.

The chances are that you will be pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the procedure itself is. As a minor surgical procedure, dental implants in Lancaster are placed under local anaesthetic and many people choose to have a sedative to help them relax. A side effect of the sedative is that you may not recall much about the implant procedure. Sedative or no sedative, you shouldn’t feel any pain while you’re in the dentist’s chair.

How does the pain compare to other treatments?

One thing patients consistently tell us is that having a dental implant put in is far more pleasant than having a natural tooth extracted. There may be several physical and psychological reasons for this. When a tooth is removed, it is usually because it is unhealthy and causing a great deal of pain. When a dental implant is placed, the jaw bone and surrounding teeth are fit and healthy. Sometimes, just knowing that your smile will look complete again is enough to make having dental implants a more comfortable experience.

What happens during dental implant treatment?

The procedure entails making a small incision in your gum and then siting the dental implant in your jawbone before the gum is stitched up to heal. Therefore, your gums may be swollen initially and it’s this inflammation that causes discomfort during the post-operative period.

You will be given detailed aftercare instructions to help you manage the healing process, prevent infections, and deal with any discomfort. We usually find that over-the-counter painkillers are enough.

Many patients are back to work the day after having one dental implant, but if you have several, you may want a bit longer at home to recover. In the initial days after the procedure, most patients prefer to eat soups, protein shakes, and softer foods that are gentle on their healing gums – again, your dentist will give you advice about what to eat and drink, how to clean your mouth, and what pain medication you can take.

What is the healing process like?

With multiple dental implants, it can take seven to fourteen days for your gums to heal – it really depends on your own recovery rates, the position of the implants, and the number of implants you need.

Once your dental implants are in place, we will leave them for approximately four to six months. This is to allow osteointegration to occur, where the bone hardens around the dental implant to hold it in place.

Your treatment will near its end when your dental implants are stable enough to act as a strong anchor for a false tooth. At this point, you’ll need to come into the clinic for us to make tiny incisions in your gum where each implant sits to place an abutment on the top – this is the part of the implant system on which your tooth implant will sit.

Again, this part of the procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic and should be pain-free. You may have some discomfort caused by swelling during the post-operative period but the healing process should be quicker than when you had the implants placed.

Above all, most dental implants patients in Lancaster tell us that they would go through the procedure again without hesitation because the outcomes are worth it: no more missing teeth, a working bite, and the self-confidence to smile once again.

Book your dental implant treatment today!

As a dental practice that offers dental implants in Lancaster, we would urge you to never let potential pain be a factor in your decision-making. We understand it’s a genuine concern, but a skilled dentist will always make your treatment as comfortable as possible and ensure that the post-operative period is managed properly.

If you would like to know more about dental implants in Lancaster at Viva Dental Practice, call us on 01524 735 431 to book a dental implant consultation.