Dental implants can be a great option for people suffering from cosmetic dental issues. However, it can be tough to make the decision to get dental implants due to the cost and the pain it might be associated with.

However, dental implants don't have to be painful, and they can be a great option to help people feel and look their best again.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are an alternative to dentures or bridges. Dental implants are surgically placed into the mouth of a patient replacing their tooth canals with metal screws. Dental implants act and look like real teeth, and the bones even grow around the implant to provide a solid base.

Dental implant surgery isn't for everyone, so an oral surgeon will determine if dental implant surgery is right for you. Some people with the following risk factors might not be right for implants, and might experience higher levels of pain after a procedure. These include people who:

• Only have one missing tooth
• Don't have a fully-grown jawbone
• Don't have adequate bone to secure the implant or can't get a bone graft
• Have other health issues
• Heave severe dental issues
• Smoke tobacco

Risks with dental implants

If you have any of the above conditions, your chances of developing medical complications from dental implant surgery can be greatly increased. According to New-Medical.net, even if you don't have pre-existing conditions, medical complications that can result from dental implant surgery include:

Infection

The site of the surgery can become infected if not properly cared for. Infections can lead to swelling, redness, fever, and pain at the site of the surgery. However, after surgery, an oral surgeon might prescribe antibiotics to reduce the chances of an infection arising.

Injury to surrounding areas

Any surgery carries risks, and one of the biggest risks with dental implant surgery is damage to surrounding teeth, gums, and blood vessels. Not only can this cause pain at the site of the injury, but also additional pain around the surgery itself.

Perforation

It's possible that during surgery, the sinus cavity might be perforated. This can lead to sinus issues including pain and secondary infections. A surgeon might be able to correct the issue, however, if you notice sinus issues arise after surgery, this might be the cause.

Nerve Damage

Because dental implants are placed deep into the jaw bone, nerve damage can result during surgery. This might cause symptoms including pain, numbness, and tingling in the jaw.

Implant Breakage

If the implant from your surgery breaks off, it can cause significant issues for your recovery, including pain and inability to hold a crown. Breakage is serious, so if you notice an issue, it's important to contact your surgeon right away.

What you'll feel after surgery

Dental implants sometimes take multiple surgeries to be successful. During the beginning phase of dental implant surgery, the first stage would be to possibly get a bone graft in the jaw. This helps strengthen the jaw if it is too thin or too soft to eventually grow over an implant.

After grafting, it can take several months for the bone to be thick enough to support an implant. Depending on the condition of your bone, you might not need a graft or can get a graft during your actual implant surgery.

After you have an implant placed, an abutment that will hold the artificial crown will require another surgery. It's possible to have both the crown and abutment placed at the same time, however.

Due to the multiple surgeries required for a dental implant, it's possible that people will experience longer amounts of pain than usual. According to Mayo Clinic, dental implants can cause pain associated with:

• Facial and gum swelling
• Bruising of the skin and gums
• Pain at the site of implant
• Associated bleeding, usually minor

Post Surgery Pain and Aftercare

It's important to listen to the instructions of your dental surgeon after completing the surgery. They might recommend lifestyle changes such as changes in diet to reduce the risk of damaging an implant, practicing better oral hygiene to reduce the risk of infections, and avoiding tobacco products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco.

Making the decision for dental implants

If you're one of the many people looking for a more permanent solution to dental cosmetic issues, dental implants can provide the answer. However, the multiple surgeries, many risks, and aftercare can include minor pain and discomfort that you should be aware of prior to the procedure.