Many people avoid dental implants because they think the procedure will hurt. The truth is that although there will be some discomfort associated with dental implants, it’s probably less than you think. At Doolin Haddad Advanced Dentistry in Rochester, MI, we do everything we can to ensure your comfort before, during, and after the procedure.
Comfort before Surgery
We understand that for many people in Rochester, just going to the dentist’s office is uncomfortable. That’s why we work to ensure every patient at our practice feels as welcome and comfortable as possible.
Our dental office in Rochester has a friendly atmosphere. It doesn’t look, smell, or sound like a typical dental office. You’ll be greeted promptly by name and taken in to meet with our patient coordinator and the dentist. We will answer any and all questions you have about the dental implant procedure. We will put your mind at ease. We can also arrange for sedation dentistry, which can control anxiety if you’re not able to relax despite our best efforts. Your worry, anxiety, and expectations all influence the amount of discomfort you experience during the procedure. Going in with peace of mind will help reduce your discomfort.
Comfort during Surgery
With local anesthesia, you will likely experience little to no pain during the implant procedure.
If you are taking sedation, you probably won’t be aware of much of the dental surgery. You’ll remember arriving at our dental office in Rochester. The time will seem to pass by very quickly and will be a very easy procedure.
However, even if you don’t choose sedation, you will probably be impressed with how quick and efficient the surgery is. We use 3D CT scans to plan your surgery, which tells us exactly the structure and density of your jawbone. Surgical guides ensure quick and accurate placement of dental implants. We were one of the first practices in Michigan to utilize this strategy, and our experience using it helps us to maximize the benefits to you.
Most people in Rochester can have teeth the same day. This means a replacement tooth is placed on top of their implant immediately. This allows you to smile normally with a full, attractive smile, and it will let you chew normally once it heals.
Comfort after Surgery
After implant surgery, you will likely experience some pain. However, most of our patients report that the discomfort is less than what you feel after tooth extraction. If you had your dental implants placed at the same time as your teeth were extracted, you would likely feel little to no discomfort specific to the implants.
Control Pain after Dental Implant Surgery
To reduce your pain after dental implant surgery, you should:
- Follow all postoperative instructions
- Take over-the-counter pain medication
- Use an ice pack
- Rinse with saltwater
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Avoid crunchy and spicy foods
- Report pain that worsens after 5 days or continues for more than 14
It’s important to follow all postoperative instructions. If you have any questions or concerns about your implant procedure, first consult the documentation your Rochester dentist gave you. If they contradict the information here, stick with what your doctor told you–it might be customized to your specific procedure.
Usually, over-the-counter medications are sufficient to control discomfort as you recover. Tylenol and other acetaminophen pain relievers might be preferred. Some evidence suggests that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the class of drugs that include ibuprofen (Advil) and Naproxen (Aleve), can impair bone healing. However, the science is not certain. Furthermore, taking NSAIDs for less than two weeks likely causes no problems. In addition, ibuprofen might cause fewer problems than other drugs in the class. You can also use an ice pack to control discomfort and reduce swelling.
Rinsing with salt water can reduce your risk of infection. Infections are a major cause of pain and the leading cause of implant failure.
Take the rest of the day off after your dental implant procedure. However, you can return to non-strenuous work the next day. Avoid strenuous activities for a few days after surgery.
Crunchy and spicy foods can be painful and impair dental implant healing. Avoid them for about a week after your surgery.
After your surgery, discomfort may increase for 3-5 days, then diminish. Most people have no pain after 10-14 days. If your pain worsens for more than 5 days or persists past 14 days, talk to your dentist.
Minimize Discomfort in Your Implant Procedure
If you’re uncomfortable with the thought of dental implant pain, let us put your mind at ease. We will help you understand the procedure and enter it with no anxiety since anxiety can increase discomfort. We offer sedation dentistry if you want. Our procedure is pre-planned, efficient, and quick to minimize discomfort during the procedure. After the procedure follow-up care helps you manage discomfort.
If you are looking for a Detroit area implant dentist who is there for you every step of the way, you’re looking for Doolin Haddad Advanced Dentistry in Rochester, MI. Please call (248) 656-2020 today for an appointment.
