Dental Procedure Pain: Get the Facts

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Dental Procedure Pain: Get the Facts

I recently visited the dentist and received the news that I needed a root canal. Even though I care for my teeth well, a filling I had as a child fell out one day without me noticing. (I have a bad habit of chewing on ice...) I didn't have it replaced for months, so the root canal was needed to restore the tooth. I was so scared! I had heard the stories of root canals being painful, and I hesitantly had the work done expecting the worst. I was in shock that I had virtually no pain during, or after, the procedure when I took my medications as prescribed. I created this blog to help others who are putting off dental work in fear of pain. I learned that the stories I heard were greatly exaggerated or just "old wives tales" about root canal pain. Don't be afraid!

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Implant Procedures And The Steps Involved

Dental implant procedures are popular tooth-replacement options for people who have lost one or more teeth. Each implant is a rod or screw that is made of titanium and acts as man-made tooth roots.

Here is a bit of information about implant procedures and the steps involved. 

What Are Dental Implant Procedures?

An implant procedure is an outpatient surgery involving the placement of metal posts or screws into the jawbone to act as anchors for artificial teeth. The artificial teeth can be crowns, bridges, or dentures, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced and what the patient prefers. Dental implants can restore the appearance, function, and health of the mouth by replacing missing teeth and preventing bone loss.

What Steps Are Involved With an Implant Procedure?

Traditional dental implant procedures require several steps and appointments over several months.

Step 1

The first step is a comprehensive dental exam, where the dentist will take X-rays and 3D images of the mouth and jaw. The dentist will also review the patient's medical history and discuss the options and treatment plan with them.

Step 2

The second step is the surgery to place the implants into the jawbone. This is usually done under local anesthesia, but sedation and general anesthesia are also options, depending on the patient's comfort level and the complexity of the procedure.

During the surgery, the dentist makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone and drills a hole for each implant. Then, they insert each implant into the designated hole and stitch up the gum tissue over it.

Step 3

The third step is the healing process, where the implants fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This can take several months, depending on the individual's healing rate and bone quality. 

Step 4

The fourth step is the placement of the abutments, which are small connectors that attach to the top of each implant and protrude through the gum tissue. This is a minor surgery that can be done under local anesthesia. The dentist will reopen the gum tissue over each implant and screw on an abutment. Then, they will close up the gum tissue around it and let it heal.

Step 5

The fifth step is the placement of the artificial teeth, which are custom-made to fit the patient's mouth and match the color and shape of their natural teeth. The dentist will take impressions or digital scans of the mouth and send them to a dental laboratory where they will make the crowns, bridges, or dentures. Once they are ready, the dentist will attach them to the abutments.

To learn more about implant procedures, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area. Reach out to a clinic like High Point Smile Dentistry to learn more.


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