If you’re seeking a reliable, long-term solution for tooth loss, you might be a good candidate for dental implants. These restorations are renowned for their strength and resilience, and are less likely than alternatives, such as dentures or dental bridges, to become destabilized or dislodged.
But it’s only natural to have questions about this treatment, like what your new teeth will feel like. If you’re curious, continue reading to learn more about it!
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Many experts consider this treatment the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of its unique advantages. Unlike other prosthetics, dental implants include a support rod that’s placed directly into your jaw. It can take anywhere from 3 to 6+ months to recover after this procedure, because that’s usually how long it takes the mouth to generate enough new bone to fully encompass and fuse with your restorations, making them a more permanent part of your mouth.
After recovery, you’ll have a second, more minor procedure to attach the abutments, or connector pieces, to your implants. Once you’ve healed sufficiently, your dentist can make impressions of your mouth to design a one-of-a-kind prosthetic, such as a dental crown, dental bridge, or set of dentures, depending on the number of teeth requiring replacement.
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
Dental implants are the only replacements that involve oral surgery, and many patients worry their procedure will cause a lot of pain. Thankfully, that’s not usually the case. For starters, your provider will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic before getting started to help you feel more comfortable. They will likely also offer dental sedation to help you feel calm and relaxed throughout your visit.
Then, it’s normal to feel sore and swollen for several days after your restorations are placed. Aches and inflammation typically peak around the third day after your appointment, then begin to subside on their own over time.
What Do Dental Implants Feel Like?
You might worry that your new teeth will look or feel awkward or bulky compared to the ones you were born with. But your prosthetics are carefully customized at each stage of their design and creation to look and feel as lifelike as possible.
For example, the artificial teeth attached to your implants are usually made from durable ceramic that can be made to resemble the size, shape, and hue of your natural enamel for seamless results. Not only that, but because your restoration is anchored in your jawbone, it also functions more like the root of a tooth, helping to keep your jawbone active and strong to support your oral health.
If you have additional questions about what to expect from dental implants, you can learn more by scheduling a consultation with your dentist!
About the Practice
At Rauchberg Dental Group, people of all ages benefit from a team of dental experts passionate about helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. General dentists and specialists collaborate to provide a complete menu of services, including dental implant placement and restoration, conveniently under one roof. Their caring approach is paired with state-of-the-art technology to deliver beautiful, lifelike results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (973) 718-9887.