Girl holding her hands to her mouth. Missing teeth can affect your quality of life. It may be hard to smile, eat, or talk with confidence. And that's where dental implants come in! Dental implants are one of the top restorative choices to replace missing teeth. But you may be wondering:
"Are dental implants painful?"
In this quick blog, you'll learn:
  • If implants hurt
  • How to prepare for your implant procedure
  • What to expect
  • And more!
Let's get started.

Do dental implants hurt?

The short answer? No, dental implants don't hurt. But: They're a bit different than bridges and dentures. Dental implants are made of three parts:
  • The implant post
  • Abutment
  • Restoration (such as a crown, bridge, or denture)
Your implant post will be surgically placed and require time to heal. However: During your implant procedure, you shouldn't experience any pain because your periodontist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. If you're located in San Francisco, SF Perio & Implants also offers sedation options and antibiotics to eliminate stress and pain completely. In addition: With modern technology and techniques, placing an implant is more effective than ever.

How to prepare for your implant procedure

For a successful implant treatment, you want to make sure your oral health is up to par. During your initial consultation, your doctor will examine the current state of your oral health and your medical history. A good candidate for dental implants will have:
  • Healthy teeth and gums
  • The necessary jawbone amount to support the implant post
  • Good oral hygiene
  • Patience with the procedure
In addition: Not smoking or dropping the habit of smoking will increase your chances of being a candidate. Your implant post requires healthy teeth and gums to be appropriately supported and ensure the restoration's lifespan.

What to expect during your implant procedure

We'll outline the four basic steps of an implant procedure below.

Step 1

A local anesthetic is administered to the area. Talk to your dental provider about sedation dentistry options.

Step 2

A small incision is made to reveal the jaw bone. Then, a space will gently be made to insert the dental implant post.

Step 3

After your post is placed, you'll need some time for your bone and gums to heal. For some people, their restoration can be done in the same appointment.

Step 4

Once healed, a custom-made restoration, such as a crown, will be placed to restore your smile!

Aftercare for your implant post

Clean your dental implants like you would with your natural tooth.

Brush your teeth regularly

The suggested time for brushing your teeth is at least two minutes. Do this twice a day. If you can, try to brush your teeth after every meal to remove food particles immediately!

Floss daily

Flossing is essential when it comes to caring for your implants. Flossing daily will prevent plaque build-up. Alternatives to traditional floss include:
  • Water flossers
  • Interdental brushes (like tiny toothbrushes)
  • Floss threaders (plastic-like material)

Visit your dentist for routine cleanings

Your dentist in San Francisco, CA, will be able to clean your teeth and check on your restoration professionally. It's important not to skip your check-ups, especially with a dental implant.

Where can I get dental implants in San Fransisco?

SF Perio & Implants is the top choice for high-quality dental implants in the San Fransisco area. Our skilled periodontists, Dr. Kirk Pasquinelli and Dr. Nicole Olivares, have everything you need for a stress-free dental implant procedure, including: Replace missing teeth and restore your smile now. Or: Our office is located in San Francisco and is proud to offer high-quality dental implants for patients in or around San Francisco... This text opens a new tab to the Google Maps website... , which includes patients from the neighboring communities, including East Bay and North Bay.