Debunking the Myths: Are Dental Implants Painful?
Posted on 03/12/2025
Here at West Gate Dental in Lincoln, Nebraska, we strive to provide the best dental care for you and your family. Our talented and compassionate staff go above and beyond to make you comfortable. Whether you're due for your annual cleaning or your child needs a filling, we’ll make your visit the best possible. If you need dental implants, you may worry about pain, but we can debunk the myths and ease your anxiety.
What Are Dental Implants?
Lincoln dental implants are small posts created to replace missing teeth. You can get them if you have various dental issues and your jawbone is healthy. Dental implants are made of durable materials like titanium to ensure longevity.
When Are Dental Implants Necessary?
When you visit our Lincoln NE dentist, you will be examined and evaluated to determine whether dental implants are necessary. Certain situations make it likely that you will need this treatment, including the following:
- You have lost a tooth due to an accident or injury.
- You need a tooth pulled due to decay.
- You have loose dentures or partial dentures.
- You have a loose bridge.
- Your face has a sunken-in appearance.
- You prefer a more natural option than dentures.
- You have a severely broken or cracked tooth that needs extraction.
- You have trouble chewing food.
- You have gum disease.
- You have gaps in your gums due to teeth that never developed.
- You have a teeth-grinding problem.
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
It’s fair to wonder whether dental implants are painful. Due to myths, many patients are too fearful to explore their benefits. Our dentist will apply either local or general anesthesia to numb your mouth or put you under to ensure you feel no pain and only have minimal discomfort after your surgery. Our Lincoln NE dentist may prescribe medication or tell you to take something over-the-counter to aid in your recovery.
It’s a myth that you will experience pain in the future after a dental implant procedure. Once you’ve healed, your mouth should feel normal, allowing you to chew, brush your teeth, and floss without pain.
What to Expect During Your Procedure
If you’re anxious about needing dental implants, knowing what to expect during the procedure can help. You’ll be given anesthesia to numb your gums or put you to sleep. The dentist will then make an incision in your gum in preparation for placement.
Dental implants are placed in the jawbone. This requires making a small hole to accommodate them before the incision is closed with stitches. Afterward, the osseointegration process occurs. This allows the jawbone to fuse with the implant and takes several months.
After you've healed, the dentist attaches an abutment to accommodate a crown, bridge, or denture. Depending on the condition and strength of your jawbone, grafting may be necessary.
If you are in Lincoln, Nebraska, and need dental implants or other treatment, West Gate Dental can help. Contact us at 402-475-8710 to schedule an appointment.