Missing one or more teeth can significantly impact the quality of life. It can diminish chewing efficiency, leading to a poorer diet or difficulty eating certain foods. Losing teeth can also harm self-esteem and dentofacial aesthetics, undermining confidence when smiling, laughing, or conversing. Over time, missing teeth may cause neighbouring teeth to shift out of alignment as the dental arch collapses. This damages the alignment and proper distribution of chewing forces. Left unaddressed, it can accelerate tooth loss. Also, lost teeth leave behind exposed bone that is no longer stimulated by regular function. Without a dental implant or other restoration providing proper forces, the jawbone atrophies rapidly in these areas.

For a permanent solution that mimics the look and feel of natural teeth, dental implants in Newbury offer an outstanding replacement option. Implants integrate securely into the jawbone, acting as artificial roots to hold replacement teeth, crowns, bridges, or dentures above the gumline. This restores natural functions like chewing ability, facial features, and smiles. When placed by an experienced implant dentist, implants can provide predictably long-term results, often lasting decades with proper care. While any surgical procedure requires recovery, implants spare patients the discomfort associated with loose or removable alternate options like dentures that can cause irritation or slippage. 

But are implants painful? Let’s explore this procedure further.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts or screws that your dentist surgically places into your jawbone beneath the gums, where the root of a tooth would typically be. This acts as the root of an artificial tooth. Once implanted, an abutment (post) is attached, which protrudes through the gum line. Then, a natural-looking crown or bridges are secured onto the abutment to replace missing teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are several advantages to implants over other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges:

  • Implants look and feel just like natural teeth once the restoration is attached. They restore your natural bite and speech.
  • Unlike bridges that rely on surrounding teeth, implants don’t affect neighbouring teeth structurally.
  • Unlike removable partial or complete dentures, implants won’t cause discomfort or slip out of place. You can eat anything without worry.
  • Implants help preserve jawbone bone density by distributing chewing forces naturally. Bones risk resorbing with dentures.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

The question on many minds is – are implants extremely painful? While everyone experiences some temporary discomfort, with proper care from an experienced dentist near you, any pain is usually minimally and well-managed. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Implant Placement: Implant surgery is done under local anesthetic. You may feel some pressure but no/little pain. Prescription pain relief afterward can prevent pain. Swelling and bruising are temporary.
  • Healing Time: It takes 3-6 months for bone to fully fuse tightly around implants during integration. Minor discomfort can occur, but over-the-counter drugs suffice for most.
  • Restoration: Bonding or crowning implants requires no drilling of natural tooth structures, so little discomfort happens at this stage. Your improved bite is felt right away!
  • Long-Term Comfort: Once fully integrated, implants feel natural, even sensitive to hot/cold, just like natural teeth. You’ll soon forget implants were ever painful to receive! Proper hygiene keeps things pain-free.

Is Everyone a Candidate?

While dental implants can work for many people, some medical or oral factors may disqualify a small number:

  • Sufficient bone volume in implant placement areas must exist. Augmentation may be needed first.
  • Systemic health problems like diabetes or smoking impact bone healing. Control is key.
  • Severe clenching/grinding requires a nightguard to avoid implant failure over time.
  • Poor oral hygiene creates a higher risk of long-term complications down the road.

But implants often predictably restore teeth perfectly without issues for generally healthy patients. Consult your dentist near you to determine if you are an implant candidate.

Finding an Implant Dentist

When considering dental implants in Newbury to replace missing teeth, choosing an experienced prosthodontist or oral surgeon ensures ideal results. Professionals extensively trained solely in implant dentistry understand delicate surgical placement and restoration coordination. Ask your regular dentist for referrals to highly skilled Newbury implant specialists. Consultations help decide if this treatment method meets your individual needs and expectations.

Achieve an Authentic Smile with Dental Implants from Newbury Dental Centre

At Newbury Dental Centre, we aim to restore our patients’ confidence, function, and quality of life through the highest quality dental implant treatments. As this blog outlines, implants can provide a natural-feeling and long-lasting solution for missing teeth when placed by a skilled practitioner. Our experienced dentists and surgeons work together to thoroughly evaluate each patient’s candidacy for implants and their specific needs and anatomy. We take pride in carefully planning and performing implant surgery and restorations. We aim to minimize discomfort and deliver beautiful, long-lasting results using cutting-edge techniques and materials. If you want to discuss dental implant therapy or replace a missing tooth, contact Newbury Dental Centre for a consultation. 

Let our experienced team help you determine if implants are the best option to restore your smile.