Dental implants have helped millions of people turn back the clock on tooth loss, and the more you read about them, the better they sound. There’s just one problem—you need surgery to get them. If going to the dentist already makes you a little nervous, the idea of implant placement might be enough to make you avoid the treatment entirely. But fortunately, the procedure is nothing to stress about, plus you have plenty of reasons to stay nice and relaxed in the chair.

The Truth About Dental Implant Surgery

The way dental implant surgery works is straightforward. Your dentist makes a small incision in your gums and positions the individual implant posts within your jawbone in the spaces left by your missing teeth. Once they heal and bond with the bone, they’ll be stable enough to support your new teeth for decades to come.

Here’s why you don’t need to worry about pain:

• Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to thoroughly numb the area before they do anything else. They’ll apply a topical solution before giving you an injection, and before you know it, you won’t be able to feel anything.
• The jawbone doesn’t have a lot of nerve endings, so it’s not sensitive. Most patients describe feeling some pressure during the procedure, but nothing that resembles pain.
• If you’re still nervous, many practices also offer sedation options, ranging from something as light as nitrous oxide to potent IV sedation.

What About Afterward?

Of course, you won’t feel anything at the dentist, but what about recovering from the surgery? Isn’t that when the pain really starts?

Fortunately, no! While post-treatment symptoms like swelling, soreness, and bleeding are expected, these are typically mild and brief. Many patients only need OTC medication to stay comfortable during the initial days, and if necessary, the dentist may prescribe something stronger.

How You Can Help Yourself

If you’re still concerned about dental implant surgery, there are plenty of things you can do beyond looking up stuff online:

• Talk to your dentist, ask them questions, and let them know which parts of the process are causing you stress. Fear of the unknown is powerful, but your dentist can walk you through everything so you know what to expect.
• Plan ahead by designating someone who will drive you to and from the office on the day of the procedure, plus you should stock up on easy-to-chew foods because you’ll need to stick to a soft food diet initially.

Does it hurt to get dental implants? No, but you deserve to have peace of mind before heading into the procedure. Your dentist completely understands how you’re feeling, and they’ll do everything they can to ensure you’re comfortable before, during, and after the procedure.

About the Practice

For over 100 years, Generations Dental Care has helped families in Concord build strong, beautiful smiles. Voted “Best of NH” eight times in NH Magazine, we take pride in providing unparalleled service, getting to know you and building fully individualized treatment plans to enhance your oral well-being. With state-of-the-art technology onsite, we can perform the entire dental implant procedure in the office to ensure you have the highest possible chance of success.

If you’re interested in replacing your missing teeth or have questions, you can contact Generations Dental Care through our website or call (603) 225-6331.