How Demanding Is Dental Implant Surgery?
Posted on: 9 March 2023
Regardless of how routine the procedure is or how much it's going to improve a patient's quality of life, nobody really looks forward to surgery, including dental implant surgery. Perhaps you have some hesitation, reluctance, or a general aversion to replacing your missing permanent tooth with a dental implant. Perhaps this is because dental implant treatment involves surgery. How intensive is dental implant surgery?
Pain Receptors
Yes, placing a dental implant involves surgery. However, it's a minor procedure that will be entirely carried out at your local dental clinic, sitting in the clinic's dental chair. As a matter of fact, it's such a non-invasive procedure that all most patients need in terms of pain relief is a local anesthetic injected into your gums, which efficiently numbs your jaw. This is more than sufficient to block the pain receptors in your brain, meaning you will not feel anything during your dental implant surgery.
Different Needs
Different patients have different needs, and patients who need it can be supplied with a stronger anesthetic. You can be rendered partially unconscious for your surgery, but this must be arranged well ahead of your appointment. General sedation is very rare for dental implant surgery and is only performed when there's a medical need, or patient compliance can't be assured.
Following Surgery
So, while you will be aware of the progress of your surgery, it's not as though you will be able to feel anything. You'll certainly begin to feel something when your anesthetic wears off later in the day. This is the time to transition onto the pain medication your dentist has either prescribed or recommended. Ask your dentist when you should take your first dose.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Some patients do require prescription pain relief, although the majority will only need over-the-counter medication. It's likely that your dentist will recommend ibuprofen, as this has both pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties.
Postoperative Monitoring
Post-surgical swelling generally does not peak until shortly after a surgical procedure, but it will quickly subside thereafter, and your pain will fade away with it. Should you notice an increase in swelling, and your discomfort appears to be rising rather than falling, please contact your dentist immediately. You may be experiencing a minor postoperative infection that will benefit from quick treatment
Dental implant surgery is routine, and yet it's still surgery and must be taken seriously. Be sure to follow your dentist's aftercare instructions, and the whole process will be as simple and comfortable as possible. For more information on dental implants, contact a professional near you.
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