If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, you may be curious about what they actually feel like. Will they feel like your natural teeth? Will you notice the implant in your mouth? What should you expect during recovery? While everyone’s experience is different, dental implants are designed to become a stable, comfortable part of your smile.
What Do Dental Implants Feel Like During Treatment?
The implant placement procedure is performed using anesthesia to keep you comfortable. You shouldn’t feel the dentist placing the implant, although you may experience pressure or movement during the procedure.
Afterward, it’s normal to experience some tenderness, swelling or sensitivity around the surgical area. Your dentist will provide aftercare instructions to help you manage these temporary symptoms while your mouth heals.
What Do They Feel Like During Healing?
The implant itself is positioned in your jawbone, so you won’t feel the titanium post in the same way you would feel a natural tooth. During healing, your jawbone gradually integrates with the implant in a process called osseointegration.
You may be more aware of the surgical area during the early healing period. As healing progresses, however, the tenderness and unusual sensations should diminish.
What Do Dental Implants Feel Like After Healing?
Once the implant has fully healed and your replacement tooth is attached, it should feel stable and comfortable. Unlike removable dentures, an implant-supported restoration isn’t designed to move around when you talk or eat.
Your replacement crown is also designed to resemble a natural tooth. You may initially notice a difference between the implant restoration and your natural teeth, but many patients eventually stop thinking about the implant during everyday activities.
One difference is that dental implants don’t have the same natural periodontal ligament that surrounds a natural tooth. As a result, the sensation when biting and chewing isn’t exactly identical to that of a natural tooth.
Can Dental Implants Hurt?
Some discomfort is expected after implant surgery, but significant or persistent pain isn’t something you should simply ignore. Pain, swelling or other symptoms that worsen rather than improve should be reported to your dentist.
Your dentist can determine whether you’re experiencing normal healing or whether something requires attention.
Dental implants are designed to provide a long-term replacement for missing teeth while restoring much of the function of natural teeth. Once healing is complete, many patients find that their implants feel comfortable and secure during eating, speaking and smiling.
About the Practice
Baltimore Dental Arts uses the latest technology to produce beautiful results when providing dental implant treatment. We have specialists right here in-house who are trained specifically to perform this procedure that can give you 35 or more years of service. If you’re ready to consult with one of our talented dentists about replacing your missing teeth, head to our website to schedule an appointment or call (410) 372-0202.