Missing just one tooth can make it challenging to complete a variety of tasks that you once found second nature. Things as simple as chewing your food, speaking clearly, and smiling without feeling self-conscious become difficult. Fortunately, dental implants are available to restore the function and appearance of your smile, but will they actually feel like real teeth? Continue reading to learn what you can expect.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Most of the time, dental implants are made from titanium, and they look like tiny screws. During your placement procedure, your dentist will place them directly into the jawbone. Over the next couple of months, the implants will fuse to your jawbone in a process called “osseointegration.” Once this is complete, abutments are placed on the end of your implants. This is what secures your custom-crafted restoration. Your restoration is made to be the exact size, shape, and color needed to blend in with the rest of your smile, so they will appear just like natural teeth.
How Do Dental Implants Feel After Surgery?
After your dental implants have been surgically placed in your jawbone, you will likely experience some soreness and inflammation for a few days, but you won’t actually be able to feel the dental implants themselves because the jawbone doesn’t have many nerve endings. Any discomfort that you are experiencing can be managed with your over-the-counter and/or prescribed pain relievers. In most cases, peak discomfort happens sometime 3-5 days after the procedure. Then, it will subside.
How Will Dental Implants Feel After Osseointegration?
After your dental implants have fused to your jawbone, they will feel just like your natural teeth. The bone becomes a stable foundation for your replacement teeth. You might even forget that they aren’t your real teeth!
Other tooth replacement options, like dentures, are great for some, but they don’t offer the same comfort or stability. They typically need to be relined, repaired, or replaced periodically. One of the greatest benefits of dental implants is that they help patients regain up to 90% of their natural bite force! If you’ve had difficulty eating certain foods in the past due to tooth loss, this should no longer be an issue.
Dental implants have so many unique benefits, including the fact that they feel just like real teeth! Talk to your dentist to find out if dental implants are the solution for your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Mihran Asinmaz earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University. Since then, he has completed a General Practice Residency in the prestigious North Short – Long Island Jewish Health System. He is currently a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of General Dentistry, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, American Dental Association, and Florida Dental Association. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation at his office in West Palm Beach, visit his website or call (561) 640-9200.