Do Dental Implants Hurt? And 7 Other Questions We Hear Every Day

If you’re considering getting dental implants, you’ve no doubt typed “Do dental implants hurt?” into one or more search engines at least once. To be perfectly honest, it’s the most common question we’re asked at Chesterfield Dentistry.

Dental implants look and function just like natural teeth and provide numerous benefits compared to traditional dentures and bridges. However, the moment the word ‘implant surgery’ is mentioned, it tends to have a negative connotation.

Don’t worry. It’s only natural when considering a major dental procedure like dental implants to have questions and to even feel some anxiety.  To put your mind at rest and help you reach an informed decision, this post answers 8 of the top questions patients considering dental implants typically ask. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look, starting with the BIG one!

Q1: Do dental implants hurt?

Let’s start with a brief breakdown of the surgical phase of a dental implant.

• Step 1: You’ll be given local anesthesia to numb your mouth before we start the procedure.
• Step 2: The exact placement of your dental implant is pre-determined with the use of 3D computerized planning to ensure predictable and long-lasting results.  A guide is used to assist with drilling the hole, and then the implant post is placed into position and secured.
• Step 3: The top of the implant post is protected with a cap throughout the healing process.

So, does it hurt to get a dental implant? In a word, no!

The key lies in the words ‘local anesthesia’. This ensures you don’t feel any pain, although you may feel some pressure. You may experience tenderness in the mouth following the surgery and possibly some swelling or bruising. Over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen will help ease any discomfort, and a cold compress will help reduce any facial swelling. Typically, these symptoms subside within a few days.  Most patients find the experience to be comfortable and far easier than they imagined.

Q2 What exactly is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small post made from Titanium or Zirconia placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Given time, it fuses with the surrounding bone to become a permanent fixture in the mouth. Once fully healed, a natural-looking custom crown is cemented or screwed onto the top of the post to complete the restoration. It’s a long-term solution that keeps the jawbone healthy and restores your smile.

Q3 How long does the implant process take?

The implant procedure can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, and sometimes longer, particularly if bone grafting is necessary pre-implant surgery. It all depends on the individual and their body’s ability to heal. While it may sound like a long time, most of this time is spent waiting for the bone to grow over the implant, so apart from regular visits to monitor your progress, it’s pretty much business as usual. However, patients tell us the wait is well worth it!

Q4: Can anyone get a dental implant?

While the majority of adults are eligible for dental implants on paper, an ideal candidate would be in good general health, have healthy gums, and have sufficient healthy bone to support the implant.

Even if you’re not initially a good candidate for implant surgery, this decision can often be reversed with improved oral hygiene and a graft to generate an ample supply of bone.  

A consultation will be required to assess your eligibility (or otherwise) using digital X-rays and 3D scans to ascertain your bone health, as well as to create a customized treatment plan.

Q5: Are implants a better option than dentures or bridges?

Implants are generally considered better than dentures or bridges because:

• They can last longer than traditional dentures or bridges.
• They stimulate the gums like natural teeth, preventing further bone loss and helping retain facial structures, and are
• A stand-alone system that doesn’t compromise neighboring teeth (unlike traditional bridges).
• While traditional dentures tend to slip and slide as the jaw changes shape, implants remain firmly rooted just like natural teeth.

Check out this blog post we wrote explaining why implants are a smarter response to tooth loss.

Q6: How much do dental implants cost?

For a single dental implant, you can expect to pay between $2800 and $5600, but this is determined by several factors, including:

• The type of implant needed
• The number of implants required
• Whether you have dental benefits that cover implants

Furthermore, the price will be higher if you need any additional treatments, such as tooth extraction or bone grafting prior to the implant procedure. The best way to get an exact figure is to consult with your implant dentist.

Q7: Do dental implants look natural?

Provided you choose an experienced dental implant dentist, the results should look incredibly natural. The crowns are carefully matched to the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, so they blend seamlessly into your smile. Few people will be able to tell the difference, and patients say they can smile more confidently than ever before.

Q8: How long do dental implants last?

Provided you brush and floss your implant twice daily and attend regular check-ups with your dentist, a dental implant can last for ten years and even longer. An implant post is designed to last indefinitely, although your dental crown will likely need replacing around the 10-15-year mark, depending on the type of crown you choose and its location in the mouth.

Ready to take the next step?

At Chesterfield dentistry,  we’ve helped hundreds of patients restore their smiles with dental implants. If you’re ready to find out if implants are right for you, we’d love to meet you.

Schedule your consultation today and let’s create a custom plan that fits your goals, timeline, and budget.