Going to the dentist isn't any fun, but it is one of those things that just has to be done. For years, I fought the process and didn't go for my regular cleanings and in the end, it sure didn't pay to do so. I ended up spending ten times as much time in the chair and a boat-load of money in dental repairs. If you don't like going to the dentist, you can make it easier on yourself. This blog will show you a few tips that can help you improve the experience and get through the treatment without as much discomfort.
going to the dentist with less anxiety
Does It Hurt? The Number One Question About Dental Implants And Answers
Jordan Arnold
Dental implants are a more permanent solution to lost teeth and unattractive teeth. Yet, you may be hesitant because of the cost, or because of the surgery involved. You are not alone. The number one question asked by most dental patients with regards to dental implants is, "Does it hurt?" There is more than one way to answer that question.
Initially, No, It Does Not Hurt
Clearly, your dentist will need to put you under general anesthesia because this is a surgical process. He or she will also numb your mouth completely so that you do not awake from anesthesia screaming in pain. That said, you will not feel any part of the surgery procedure, and you will not feel anything for several hours after your implants are installed.
It Feels Like a Dull Ache Later
Because your dentist has to drill into your jaw bone and possibly hit some nerves along the way, your jaw will feel like it has a dull, throbbing ache hours after the procedure. You may even experience some facial swelling, and you might look like you have the mumps. You can muster through this pain on your own, or take the prescription painkillers your dentist prescribes.
No, It Does Not Hurt with Painkillers
If you decide to take the painkillers before the novocaine wears off, you will not feel much of anything. In fact, most people report that while on four days' worth of painkillers after a dental implant surgery, they do not feel anything. By the fifth day, your mouth has healed enough that it barely hurts, and you can muddle through without any painkillers. Within a week, it should not hurt at all any more.
Individual Pain Thresholds
Of course, all of the above is moot if you have a really low pain threshold. People who are really sensitive to pain and experience it more intensely than others will feel worse after dental implant surgery. The pain they feel may also extend beyond a week and/or be felt even while they are on painkillers. If you already know that you are this type of person, then you can expect it to hurt and hurt more than you expected.
Conversely, people with high pain thresholds do not report feeling much pain at all after the procedure. Instead, they are ready to chew and eat normally without painkillers after the novocaine and general anesthesia has worn off. Thus, the question of whether or not dental implant surgery hurts is relative to each individual's pain tolerance levels.
If you have more questions, get in touch with a professional such as Aaron G Birch, DDS PC.
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