Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI
A missing tooth or teeth can be embarrassing, especially when the gap is in a prominent area. Even though multiple treatment choices exist to replace the missing tooth, dental implants are the most stable and longest-lasting option available. However, placing a dental implant is a lengthy and intricate process. Our Royal Oak implant dentist explains that implants are like other invasive procedures, and it’s normal to feel discomfort for a few days after the procedure. However, persistent pain beyond a few days may indicate postoperative problems. So, today on the blog, Dr. Nancy Hartrick shares how to tell whether the pain you’re experiencing is typical or something more serious and what you should do when you experience painful sensations.
What is the dental implant placement procedure?
During your initial consultation, our implant dentist in Royal Oak will check your teeth and gums to ensure you’re a good candidate for a dental implant. You must have good oral health and enough jawbone to hold the implant. If not, you could require a bone graft before placing the implant. Before the procedure begins, your mouth is made numb. Next, a small incision is made in the gum, and a titanium metal post is surgically placed into the jawbone. The first phase of the procedure is complete after a tiny abutment or connector piece is attached to the implant. This piece remains slightly visible above the gum line and helps prevent the gum from growing over the implant. After the gums heal and the post and bone fuse, you return to our office to receive your dental crown that is permanently attached to the implant.
What could cause pain during and after the implant procedure?
You should expect discomfort after the treatment for a few days and bruising, swelling, and jaw stiffness that should subside within ten days. An over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever will help ease discomfort, and an ice pack to alleviate the swelling. Discomfort is expected, yet you should be able to control it with OTC medication. Additionally, discomfort should not last more than a few days to a week. However, you must contact our Royal Oak dentist for a follow-up appointment if the pain in discomfort last more than two weeks or is unbearable.
Although complications after dental implant surgery are uncommon, you may experience one of the following situations that could cause pain
- Damaged Nerves – The titanium post can strike and damage a nerve during the implantation process. Nerve injury is more common in females and younger patients and manifests as discomfort on contact or a strange feeling in the lips. Dr. Hartrick may recommend removing the implant and using oral steroids to minimize inflammation before placing a new implant to help the nerve recover.
- Peri-implantitis – Chronic inflammation surrounding an implant site is called peri-implantitis, caused by a bacterial accumulation. Gums that are sore, uncomfortable, or bleed while brushing are the condition’s symptoms. Dr. Hartrick will treat peri-implantitis by cleaning the affected area and instructing the patient to maintain good oral hygiene. Implant removal may be necessary in severe peri-implantitis cases to avoid further bone loss and tissue damage.
- Ill-fitting Implant – Implants that never fully fuse with the bone require a replacement implant. Patients could experience painful sensations in the jaw or lips.
- Infection – Bacterial infections at the surgical site might delay or prevent the wound from healing. Infection symptoms include high body temperature, abnormal bleeding or swelling, and vomiting.
Contact our Royal Oak implant dentist as soon as possible if you have any signs and symptoms of complications. The sooner Dr. Hartrick administers treatment, the less likely that issues will worsen.
Dental Implants in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan
Some people fear getting dental implants because they believe the procedure will be painful. Doctor Hartrick takes the necessary steps to ensure your comfort during the process. Although there could be some pain and discomfort after the surgery, it should quickly dissipate with the use of over-the-counter pain medications. Also, there are rare cases where painful situations can develop after surgery. However, Dr. Hartrick will fully support you and correct the problem when necessary. So, contact Hartrick Dentistry today to reschedule your implant consultation by calling (248) 549-0950 or contacting us online.