Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option available today. Since they replace the entirety of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of benefits that you can’t experience from dentures or dental bridges. If you are thinking about making the switch, you may be wondering: what do dental implants feel like? Can you feel them at all? Will they be just like your old teeth? Continue reading to find out!
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are typically made from titanium, and they look like little, tiny screws. During your placement procedure, your dentist will place them directly into the jawbone. Over the next couple of months, the dental implants will fuse to your bone in a process called “osseointegration.” Permanent dental crowns will be placed on the ends of each of your new dental implants. These are customized to be the exact size, shape, and color needed to blend in with the rest of your smile. Ultimately, they should look just like your real teeth.
How Do Dental Implants Feel Following Surgery?
After your dental implants are placed, you are likely to experience some swelling and soreness for a few days, but you won’t be able to feel the implant in your jawbone. The good news is that any discomfort that you feel after your surgery can be controlled using recommended over-the-counter and/or prescribed pain relievers as directed by your dentist. Generally speaking, peak discomfort occurs about three to five days before subsiding.
How Do Dental Implants Feel Following Osseointegration?
After your dental implants have completely fused to the jawbone, they should feel just like your natural teeth. The bone becomes a stable foundation for the replacement teeth. You might even forget that they are any different from the rest of your teeth. Other tooth replacement options, including dentures, don’t provide the same comfort and stability. Typically, they need to be relined, repaired, or replaced periodically. One of the best benefits of dental implants is that they allow patients to regain up to 90% of their natural bite force. If you have struggled to eat certain foods in the past due to tooth loss, this will no longer be nearly as apparent.
After years of missing teeth or traditional dentures, why not give dental implants a shot? Schedule a consultation with your dentist to find out if dental implants are the solution to complete your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Ira Newman earned his dental doctorate from Emory University School of Dentistry. Since then, he has been committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. He trained at that prestigious Dawson Center for Advanced Dentistry and the Spear Center for Clinical Excellence. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and Academy of Laser Dentistry. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (212) 924-6890.