If you are considering getting dental implants, you are probably worried about how painful the procedure is. Understandably, the idea of having screws implanted in your jaws can be intimidating. But there is no need to worry, as doctors try to make the surgery as pain-free as possible. Our Boston periodontist, Dr. Sergio Guzman, is a top dentist here in Boston, and can answer all your concerns in your consultation, and at any step of the way.
When preparing to get dental implants, it is important first to understand how the procedure happens. Gathering sufficient information can help calm you down as you prepare for your dental surgery. As always, we are more than happy to answer your questions at any step of the treatment plan.
How is the implant procedure done?
The process of dental implants is done in three parts. The first part involves preparing your jaw and the implant site. You will be given numbing shots.
After implanting the screw, Dr. Gusman attaches a post (abutment) to connect the screw to a temporary implant crown. If the placement is satisfactory, Dr. Gusman proceeds to close the incision. Throughout this process, a local anesthetic keeps you from feeling any pain.
The third and last part of the procedure is attaching a permanent crown. This is done after the surgery site has healed and the screw is fully fused with the bone (which takes three to six months). Once everything is in place, a customized permanent crown is attached to the abutment.
Is there pain after a dental implant procedure?
Most patients feel a bit of discomfort in the surgery area, face, and jaw a week or so after the dental implant procedure. We can prescribe over-the-counter painkiller medication to reduce discomfort.
Normally, the pain subsides within two weeks of surgery as the tooth continues to heal. If the pain persists after 14 days, you might have an infection, and you should contact us before your follow-up appointments.
Causes of pain after a dental implant procedure
Although you may feel a sharp pain after the procedure and as the anesthesia wears off, it is uncommon to feel pain for longer periods of time. Pain and other complications can develop for several reasons, including:
Incision line opening – It is the most common cause of pain and occurs when the tissue surrounding the screw reopens. We may recommend taking antibiotics to avoid infections. If the pain seems to increase, further attention will be necessary. Always contact us if you have concerns.
Infection – Infections can occur and prevent the wound from healing properly. You should seek medical attention if you experience unusual pain on the implant site.
Also, you should be on the lookout for other signs of post-procedure complications, which can include fever, swelling, nausea, and excessive bleeding after the surgery.
How to reduce pain and discomfort
You can reduce discomfort and aid the healing process after a dental implant surgery by:
Follow the doctor’s instructions, including taking the prescribed pain medication and antibiotics.
Rinse with a warm saltwater solution to kill germs and speed up the healing process.
Avoid spicy and crunchy foods for ten days after the surgery to avoid infections.
Maintain good oral hygiene.
Stick to a liquid diet for not less than 24 hours after the surgery.
Brush gently near the implant site to prevent infection, which is a common cause of pain and discomfort.
Use cold compresses to numb the pain.
Avoid using straws for 25 hours after the procedure.
Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments.
Should you consider dental implants?
There are several benefits of dental implants. But before you decide to have the surgery, it is important to talk to a doctor to determine if it is right for you. That said, here are reasons why you should consider dental implants:
They help prevent jaw degradation due to tooth loss
They improve your overall dental health
They provide a more natural replacement compared to other methods since they are attached directly to the jawbone
Dental implants last a lifetime
Dental implants have a 95-98 percent success rate, which means minimal risk
Caring for dental implants
Like your natural teeth, dental implants need proper hygienic care, which includes brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist for a cleaning every six months. Without proper care, you can develop peri-implantitis, which occurs when bacteria attack the tissue surrounding the implant. In most cases, peri-implantitis disease leads to bone loss, inflammation, and tissue damage.
Worth noting, you can treat post-implant conditions if they have not spread beyond the soft tissues. However, you might need reconstructive surgery if they extend to the bone underneath the dental implant.
The takeaway
Pain and recovery during and after dental implant surgery vary from one person to another. However, you can be sure to keep pain and discomfort at bay with medication. Remember to consult us if you experience pain more than two weeks after the surgery. Please contact us to schedule a consultation where we can answer all your questions and talk about a treatment plan.
Related Posts
Welcoming Dr. Inkyu Han: Elevating Restorative Dentistry
August 30, 2023
At Dental Partners of Boston, we are thrilled to introduce the newest addition to our team, Dr. Inkyu Han, a highly accomplished and dedicated restorative dentist. With his exceptional qualifications, unwavering commitment to patient care, and passion for dental excellence, Dr. Han is set to elevate the standard of restorative dentistry in our practice. A […]
As we conclude our blog post series on preventing gum disease, treating it, and restoring lost teeth with dental implants, we want to emphasize the importance of regular dental visits and the significance of seeking treatment. At Dental Partners of Boston, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to support you on your […]
Replacing Lost Teeth with Dental Implants – A Solution for Restoring Your Smile
August 17, 2023
In the previous post, we explored the implications of gum disease and the available treatment options to restore gum health. However, in some cases, advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss. In this post, we will discuss what happens when one or more teeth are lost due to gum disease and introduce dental implants […]
Dental Partners of Boston wishes all our incredible patients a joyful and patriotic Independence Day celebration! May your day be filled with laughter, good company, and plenty of smiles. Remember to take care of your oral health during the festivities, and we can’t wait to see your beaming smiles at your next visit! (Don’t forget […]
Dental implants continue to revolutionize the field of dentistry. Techniques for placement are continually evolving, and the long-term success rate is increasing as users with implants are able to keep them year after year without problems. A reliable and long-lasting solution to missing teeth, dental implants transform lives with natural-looking, functional, and confident smiles. A […]
Are you tired of living with gaps in your smile due to missing teeth? Dental Partners of Boston is here to offer you a life-changing solution – dental implants. We understand the impact that missing teeth can have on your confidence, oral health, and overall well-being. That’s why we highly recommend dental implants as the […]
Tooth fillings are a common dental treatment for people of all ages. If you need a filling, you may be wondering what they are, what they do, what the procedure is like, and if it will be painful. In this article, we give you an overview of tooth fillings so you know what to expect. […]
Dental implants replace missing teeth. They feel and act just like natural teeth, letting you live life the way you want to. Oral hygiene is imperative to overall health – but it is often overlooked. People don’t find themselves in the dental clinic as often as they should. Infrequent visits to the dental office can […]
It’s the holiday season. We’ve just enjoyed Halloween, our kids are still splurging on their trick-or-treating spoils, and all of us are looking forward to delicious food and desserts we only get to enjoy once every year. As we are among the best dentists in Boston, we have some thoughts about how to protect your […]
While we do our best to try and keep our teeth in tip-top shape with regular dentist visits and good dental hygiene, sometimes we still lose a few teeth as we age. This is where the best dental implants can be a lifesaver. A dental implant has many benefits when compared to dentures, which we’ll […]
There are many reasons for tooth removal, and the causes are quite broad. Some teeth are removed because of dental cavities or other sources of pain and discomfort. There are also many solutions to replacing the missing tooth, such as dental implants or same-day dentures. But why remove a tooth in the first place? 1. […]
A whole, healthy smile has benefits that extend far beyond aesthetics. Prosthodontics helps support the jaw muscles and bone structure if teeth are lost or damaged. While well-made dentures have long improved the quality of life for our patients with missing teeth, Dental Partners of Boston also offers an alternative—dental implants. Dentures to Dental Implants: […]
Dental implants are a modern, permanent, and effective solution to missing teeth. While some people still prefer to opt for bridges, dentures, or leaving a gap, there are important benefits of dental implants that you can miss out on if you choose an alternative. Here are some reasons why everyone missing one or more of […]
Happy Post Halloween! How to handle all that candy.
November 1, 2021
Once again, it’s the scariest time of the year — and your teeth have good reason to be afraid! All that Halloween candy can increase your risk of developing cavities. However, there are things you can do to limit the effects of Halloween on your dental health. Here are a few useful tips. Schedule a […]
There are several reasons why people might lose their teeth and require a dental prosthetic, like a crown or dentures in Boston. Gum disease is one of those reasons, another is broken or damaged teeth due to illness, age, or a sporting accident. A prosthodontist specializes in the field of dental prosthetics and is the […]
The removal of a natural tooth may be necessary following an accident or injury, sometimes following an illness. Many patient’s main worry with tooth removal is their appearance. They worry if the gap will show in their smile, affect their speech or their ability to eat certain foods. Luckily, when you have dental implants to […]
Modern technology is something that we can be so very thankful for. We are blessed with a range of things that can help our lives, that even twenty years ago we might not have thought were possible. As best dentists in Boston, we know just how much technology and education have progressed and helped the […]
Dental Prosthesis: 5 Reasons to Replace Missing Teeth
September 24, 2020
There are many different reasons why people suffer from tooth loss. For example, tooth loss can happen as a consequence of gum disease, or because of an injury or trauma. If you have gaps in your smile, there are different solutions available to you here at Dental Partners of Boston. A dental prosthesis is an […]
Causes of missing teeth range from gum disease to injury or even a genetic condition. Regardless of the underlying cause of missing teeth, it can cause low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. It can also change the shape and integrity of your facial structure. If you have lost a tooth or teeth you may […]
Ask the average person what they think of dentures and most would likely tell you that dentures are for the elderly, but this is not true. For certain, the elderly are the primary users of dentures, but there are other segments of people that use dentures. For example, people who have suffered an injury or […]
We realize that finances play a role when we recommend dental implants as an option to replace missing teeth. Implants are the ideal solution because they feel and function just like a regular tooth. It’s essential to keep the bone structure healthy as well, which an implant will ensure, unlike other tooth replacement options such […]
Dental implants are a fantastic solution to missing teeth. They can allow you to return to normality in terms of appearance, natural feel, and function. At Dental Partners of Boston, we have periodontists with years of experienced at placing dental implants. How Do Dental Implants Work? Dental implants work by replacing the root of a […]
Do you want to find out more about bone grafts and how they help your oral health? In this blog post, we’ll look at the different types of bone grafts and why you may need it when getting a dental implant. What Are They And Why Do You Need Them? A bone graft is a […]
There have been a lot of great dental treatments invented over the years. However, a lot of people would argue that dental implants are one of the best treatments today. Dental implants replace a tooth or teeth that have fallen out or need to be removed due to a traumatic injury or tooth decay. Read […]
There are several foods that you need to avoid to make sure that healing goes smoothly after having your wisdom teeth removed. For example, chewy snacks or candy, crunchy granola, and other foods that might poke into the extraction site. Before you come in for the extraction, you should have your kitchen stocked with soft […]
At Dental Partners of Boston, we’ve seen first hand the life-changing impact that dental implants can have on patients. Dental Implants are a wonderful way to replace missing, broken or damaged teeth and restore confidence to your smile. They look like real teeth and feel natural. They are also incredibly long-lasting and durable. But there […]
There are many options out there for patients who have lost their teeth. Replacing lost teeth isn’t what it was…thankfully! There was a time when wooden dowels were hammered into place (we’re talking hundreds of years ago). Now, we have the options to choose removable dentures or dental bridges. These options are less expensive, especially […]
While most patients benefit from having individual teeth removed and replaced with dental implants and crowns, for some, that might not be enough to fully restore health and function. There are situations in which a patient isn’t just missing a single tooth and may need more involved treatment. Extensive tooth loss can result from […]
Without enough bone support, a dental implant would likely fail and potentially cause other problems. A sinus lift is a procedure to increase the amount of bone on a person’s upper jaw to make dental implants possible. It is a surgical procedure to correct bone loss and move the sinus up to make room for […]
If you have a tooth missing or more than one tooth missing, you’re probably thinking about dental implants. That definitely makes sense because in terms of the appearance achieved when dental implants are used, there’s really nothing better. They look great and most people won’t even be able to tell that they’re implants; they’ll simply […]
Imagine the crisp, refreshing bite of an apple, or biting into fresh, sweet corn on the cob, or the salty and crunchy satisfaction of your favorite nuts. For those with dentures, these foods may be a distant memory. Luckily, there’s an alternative to dentures that can bring back the satisfaction of these foods and many […]
Dental implants have truly changed the replacement of teeth over the years. Before the development of dental implants, people with dentures were unable to chew many kinds of food. This has all changed with this amazing advancement in dental technology. What Is A Dental Implant? Dental implants are made up of titanium and other materials […]
Nothing looks, feels, or functions like your natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing along with six-month dental check-ups can help you keep your teeth for a lifetime. Sometimes though your teeth may have an infection or disease which needs additional care. When possible, talk with your Boston dentist to consider treatments that can save your […]
Many people put off getting dental implants for a variety of reasons. However, with the development of immediate implants or same-day dental implants, many of those who need them are now able to get them. With same-day dental implants, our doctors remove an infected tooth or teeth and install the implant immediately after. This procedure […]
What To Expect With Teeth In A Day Dental Implants
July 18, 2018
Preparing and placing dental implants has traditionally been a lengthy process. However, today the time commitment to improve your smile has drastically reduced to a few hours. Time at the dentist plus the recovery period has decreased. While not everyone is a candidate for same-day dental implants, those that are, no longer need to experience […]
There are a lot of dental offices and clinics that offer various forms of dental treatments. However, few have the resources, staff, and expertise to offer specialist care within the same office. The ability for patients to see various dental specialists in the same office means a much higher level of care. This is why […]
Where Can I Find A Dental Implant Surgeon In Boston?
May 14, 2018
What Is A Dental Implant Surgeon? A dentist who specializes in dental implants and performs dental implant surgery is known as a Periodontist. Periodontal dentists go through years of additional training that qualifies them to perform advanced procedures. They are dental practitioners with significant expertise in the avoidance, detection, and treatment of periodontal diseases. They […]
Thank goodness for warmer weather. It seems that this time of year would never come. With warmer weather comes spending a lot more time outdoors. Physical activity also increases which is so important for your health and well-being. It’s also important to keep yourself and your family safe as you play sports and do more […]
Cosmetic dentistry is often associated with painful procedures, long recovery, horrendous wait times, and regular upkeep. Teeth-In-A-Day in Boston defies all these stereotypes. It will bring your smile back to its natural beauty and function in record time. Why Might You Need a Dental Implant? Due to nerve damage, gum disease, poor dental hygiene, and […]
Out of all the dental procedures currently performed, none can match the success rate of dental implants. They boast a 98% success rate. What makes them one of the most successful procedures currently performed Here are some things you need to know about dental implants and what to expect. Why Are Dental Implants Successful? Dental […]
Why Should I Go to a Specialist for Dental Implants?
January 30, 2018
Patients should be cautious when considering hiring a dentist for dental implants. At Dental Partners of Boston, our dental implant specialists have years of experience. After graduating as dentists, our specialists each attended an additional three to four years in a hospital-based residency program. In other words, our periodontist, Dr. Guzman, has received formal training […]
At Dental Partners of Boston, we are committed to giving each one of our patient’s individualized care and attention. We listen to your concerns and work with you to develop a customized plan. We want you to have the best dental care possible. Therefore, we work to make our office welcoming and comforting. Part of […]
Tips for Finding the Best Cosmetic Dentist in Boston
September 8, 2017
At Dental Partners of Boston, we provide cosmetic dentistry services along with many other kinds of dentistry. If you are new to the area, or maybe your old dentist isn’t working out for you, you might be wondering how you can find a great cosmetic dentist you can rely on. You can trust us to […]
The work specialty dentistry requirements are often needed to maintain a healthy mouth and beautiful smile. Patients dealing with tooth loss, jawbone problems, and other dental issues seek out treatment from a prosthodontist. What is a prosthodontist and how do they differ from a general dentist? Here are some things you need to know if […]
At Dental Partners of Boston, we provide a high quality range of services for each of our patients. We listen to their needs and do our best to provide individualized services. We offer adult orthodontics in Boston along with orthodontic services for teenagers and children. Reasons Why People Want Adult Braces Vary If you are […]
Is it possible to have a tooth removed and new one placed in the same day? Dr. Guzman can make this happen with modern treatment methods allowing for teeth in a day. At Dental Partners of Boston, we care about long-term solutions to enhance our patients smiles. Our solutions are designed to bring you a […]
Dental Partners of Boston wants to give each one of our patients the best care possible. This means we also try to help our patients with tips on how to maintain great oral hygiene in their daily lives. While of course this includes brushing and flossing daily, there are also other important things to know […]
At Dental Partners of Boston, we do our best to give our patients tips on how to maintain good oral hygiene throughout the year. We want our patients to incorporate smart, safe practices related to their dental health in their day to day lives. This is the best way to have long-lasting, far-reaching positive oral […]
Dental Partners of Boston is committed to giving you the best dental implants in Boston. We also think it is important to educate our patients on different dental procedures and what the advantages and disadvantages of different methods are. When it comes to losing a tooth, there is often discomfort and even pain. This is […]
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are a modern miracle. Capable of remaining strong and stable for a lifetime, dental implants are incredibly realistic and beautiful. Although dental implants were invented in the 1950s by an orthopedic surgeon, the technology has continued to evolve, and modern implants are better than ever before. […]
You get what you pay for when you invest in dental implants.
Full Arch Replacement with Dental Implants
November 3, 2016
As secure as implants at a fraction of the cost, an implant-supported full-arch replacement is a fantastic choice for your health and your wallet.
The History of Dental Implants
August 18, 2016
Today, dental implants are recognized as one of the best and most effective solutions for tooth loss and dental cosmetic issues. Modern implants are long-lasting, fully functional, and almost impossible to distinguish from natural teeth. But how long have dental implants been around? And how did they get their start? The Mayans It might surprise […]
Dental implants in Boston are far and away the most popular option to replace missing teeth because they have huge advantages over dentures. Implants don’t require high maintenance like dentures (creams, regular fittings, and special cleaning requirements), they last as long as you do, and they look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. So […]
Its important that you know what addatives are in a toothpaste. Confused? We can help.
What does DMD stand for?
August 6, 2015
Have you ever wondered what DMD and our other titles stand for?
Dental Procedures That Revitalize Your Teeth
April 9, 2015
There are several cosmetic procedures that revitalize your smile while also maintaining or improving the overall function of your teeth.
Dental Implant Basics
February 19, 2011
FROM COMMON THINGS LIKE WEAR AND TEAR, TO TRAUMA ORDISEASE, some adults have experienced permanent tooth loss. Regardless of the level of loss, patients share experiences of oral discomfort and a lack of confidence as a result. Of course, permanent tooth loss is something our entire team always does their best to prevent. However, it isn’t […]
