Dental Tips |3 min read

Do Dental Implants Hurt? How Do They Work?

Dental Implants - Do they hurt & how do they work?

A perfect smile is always worth the hassle.

But how much hassle are we talking about?

With some treatments – quite a bit.

With dental implants – virtually none.

But do they hurt? And what are these things anyway?

Both are good questions, so let’s stop wasting time and get to the root of it. 😉

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots – it’s as simple as that. They’re artificial teeth made to look and feel just like natural teeth.

There are three parts to a dental implant:

  1. Crown;
  2. Abutment;
  3. Titanium post.

The synthetic post is placed into the jaw to replicate a natural tooth root. The post is then topped with an abutment, followed by a custom-made crown to restore your smile’s function and look.

And, by the way, dental implants don’t just look and feel right – they can easily last a lifetime (with good care).

Is Dental Implant Surgery Painful?

The short answer is no. Dental implant surgery doesn’t hurt.

Why?

Because we numb you with local anesthesia.

And we DO NOT begin the procedure till the tooth area goes fully numb.

To reiterate, local anesthesia will numb the nerves that surround the dental implant area. With numbed nerves, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.

You may feel pressure at times, but it shouldn’t cause considerable discomfort.

The Difference Between Dental Implants & Traditional Crowns

Our dentist pointing to a dental implant

We understand the confusion – they can look a bit alike, but they’re not the same thing (not at all).

Dental implants, as we’ve already established above, are surgical implants that replace a missing tooth.

Part of the implant includes a crown placed on top to look and function like a normal tooth.

In other words, we’re replacing an entire tooth (or teeth), including the root.

Unlike a dental crown that sits above the gum line, an implant is placed into the jawbone, and a dental implant crown is then attached via screw. The implant itself lies below the gum line and is not visible.

Traditional crowns, conversely, do not replace missing teeth.

They’re prosthetic caps that look like teeth but are placed over existing teeth.

Because that’s the case, a traditional crown is not an option when you’re missing a whole tooth.

That said, they can usually whip the worst-looking teeth back into shape, repairing cracked, decayed, and otherwise compromised teeth. Traditional crowns can also prevent further damage and whiten stained or discolored teeth.

Need Dental Implants in South Dakota?

Dental implants look indistinguishable from natural teeth, last a lifetime, protect your smile, and are easily the most secure and reliable type of dental restoration out there.

That’s why they’re the #1 recommended restoration option for missing teeth.

And, as long as you live in South Dakota (or feel like paying the beautiful Mount Rushmore State a visit), we got you covered!

Neighborhood Dental has seven locations in SD, all placed close to shops, restaurants, workplaces, and children’s schools.

Whether you live in Tea, Sioux Falls, Beresford, Yankton, or Harrisburg, you can always find one of our welcoming dental offices nearby.

And – you know it – each location is fully equipped with the latest dental tech and patient amenities galore.

But wait, there’s more!

Try our Dental Savings Program

To find out how your dental implant or any other treatment can be covered, check out our savings plan today.

Our savings program is a great alternative to traditional dental benefits with zero restrictions.

You’ll find benefits that include discounts for preventative care and other procedures. There is annual coverage which starts from day one, and all plans are fully customizable.

So schedule your appointment now! We’ll discuss your concerns and goals for your smile at your initial appointment. We’ll also examine your mouth and other factors to determine if dental implants are right for you.

Neighborhood Dental Care is located in South Dakota…Open a new window to find us on Google…, including Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, Tea, Beresford, and Yankton. We happily welcome patients from all over.