If you’re considering restoring your beautiful smile with the help of dental implants, you may be curious about how they will feel in your mouth. You may have heard that in addition to looking natural, these innovative prosthetics are so realistic, most patients forget they’re not biological.
Here’s how you can expect your new teeth to feel, and why they may be the best oral health decision you’ll ever make!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are prosthetics that are permanently implanted in the jawbone to replace lost adult teeth. They are comprised of three main parts: the implant (a titanium post that is attached to the jaw) the abutment (where the crown sits) and the crown (false tooth). Because the implant itself is attached to the jaw, once it heals, you won’t feel it. The crown and abutment sit on top of the jaw. The abutment goes under the crown, so all you see is the tooth itself.
Can You Feel Dental Implants?
Because your dental implants are so secure, they can be used to chew a full range of healthy foods. Not only will you not feel them while at rest, but you also won’t feel them while eating, either, because the titanium post fuses with your jawbone. In fact, with time you will likely not be able to discern between your dental implants and your real teeth, and unlike with dentures, you won’t feel any irritation or soreness from improper fit.
What Should I Do if My Dental Implant Hurts?
While your implant itself isn’t real and thus cannot feel pain like a natural tooth could, in rare cases there is a chance that your dental implant can fail. If the discomfort is originating at the implant site, this is a warning sign of implant failure, and you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. It is also possible that the issue could be unrelated to the implant itself and could simply be coming from the same area. Potential causes for this include cavities or infection in nearby teeth, trapped food, gum disease, or even canker sores. If you aren’t sure what could be causing it, it is recommended you contact your dentist just to be safe.
Remember, dental implants are a comfortable, durable solution to lost teeth, and you should not feel anything once they have finished healing, but if you notice any discomfort, visit your dentist as soon as possible to rule out any potential complications.
About Our Practice
At Parker Dental & Orthodontics, we want to see you smile! Whether we’re fitting you for a new set of veneers, providing an important cleaning and exam, or restoring your gorgeous grin with the help of dental implants, we’re here to help.
To learn more about how these durable, versatile, comfortable prosthetics can help you, please visit our website today!