Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Some people are nervous about visiting the dentist. Even we understand why people are nervous when we explain dental implants to them. After all, while implants are a revolutionary way to replace missing teeth — whether they’re gone because of trauma or need to be extracted due to decay — they require surgery to insert a metal post into the jawbone. We think it’s safe to say that dental implant surgery may at times get a little uncomfortable. But our implant dentist in Erwin takes great measures to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible throughout the entire process. Let’s take a look today at the dental implant process so we can help put your mind at ease about any pain you may experience.
What is involved in dental implant surgery?
Sometimes people experience dental anxiety mainly because they can’t see and don’t know what’s going on, so let’s dive into the standard steps of dental implant surgery so you can feel more informed and empowered.
Step 1: Consultation and exam
Our Jonesborough implant dentist will take this time to examine your teeth and mouth. We can answer any questions you may have and work with you on a customized plan for your dental implants.
Step 2: Bone graft, if necessary
Sometimes, if a jawbone isn’t strong enough to support an implant, we will recommend a bone graft to encourage new bone production. This strengthens the jawbone and prepares it to properly integrate with the implant in a process called osseointegration.
Step 3: Dental implant surgery
During this step, our implant dentist in Greeneville will drill a hole into the jawbone and insert a metal post. During osseointegration, which may take a few months to complete, the post fuses with the jawbone to become a durable and stable metal tooth root.
Step 4: Abutment placement
The abutment is a small connector piece that attaches the dental crown — the beautiful, custom-made tooth that everyone will see— to the metal implant. Sometimes we may have to perform another small surgery to place the abutment.
How painful is the implant surgery?
While dental implant surgery involves trauma to the gums and jaw, our dental team makes sure you remain comfortable during the process by using numbing medication. When the numbing agent wears off, you may experience some discomfort. We may provide pain medication for you, or your pain might be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. The level of discomfort you experience depends on how many implants you receive at one time, but usually all pain has subsided within 10 days of the surgery. If discomfort continues after that, contact our Tusculum Dental Care office so we can check to make sure the site isn’t infected.
Dental implants in Greeneville, Tennessee
Is dental implant surgery something to look forward to? Of course not. But something you can be excited about is that the surgery is a necessary step for you to get the Hollywood smile you’ve been dreaming of. And rest assured that our dental team at Tusculum Dental Care will do all we can to ensure your comfort and make sure that your experience is as pain-free as possible. If you have questions about dental implants or you’re ready to schedule your surgery, call our office at (423) 639-7575 or reach out to us online today.