Do Dental Implants Feel Natural? Here’s the Truth

Dental implants are perhaps the best option when it comes to replacing missing teeth. On top of giving you a stronger bite, the metal posts are also designed to merge with your jawbone, creating a new tooth root. If you’re wondering how natural they’d feel, then read on to learn how the procedure works and key things to know during your tooth-replacement process.

How Does Dental Implant Treatment Work?

Dental implants are usually constructed out of titanium, which will be surgically and strategically embedded into the jawbone. Once your procedure is finished, you’ll need to spend several months healing from the treatment, mainly to allow your metal posts to effectively fuse with your jaw through a process called “osseointegration.” After you’ve recovered completely, you’ll return to your dentist so they can put abutments atop your implants before fitting your new restoration.

What Do Dental Implants Feel Like After Placement?

For your procedure, you’ll receive local anesthesia to numb your mouth so that you’re pain-free throughout your visit. The effects should wear off after several hours, and you may feel some sensitivity, soreness, or even swelling for the next few days. The good news is that the jawbone has minimal nerve endings, meaning your implants shouldn’t necessarily feel abnormal. It’s normal to feel discomfort during your recovery, and your team will provide aftercare instructions to make it a smoother process, such as taking pain medication, using a cold compress, and eating soft foods.

How Do Implants Feel After Osseointegration?

Once your dental implants are completely integrated into your jawbone, they should work and feel exactly like your natural pearly whites. Your bone tissue will anchor your metal posts, and some patients even claim to forget that they have them. Also, remember that implants generally help you regain around 90% of your natural bite, meaning you can enjoy most of your favorite foods again. Just be sure to avoid biting into anything that could possibly damage your restoration.

While they’re made out of metal, dental implants often feel just like normal teeth. As long as you practice great oral hygiene, good oral habits, and visit your dentist every six months, you can be sure to maintain your brand-new smile.

About the Practice

At Advanced Dental Center, we know that feeling confident in your smile starts with feeling comfortable in your own mouth. Led by Dr. Glenn Shtarkman and Dr. Caroline Salib, our team specializes in dental implants that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. From your initial consultation through placement and recovery, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to see how comfortable a complete smile can feel? Visit our website or call us at (440) 885-5354 to schedule your appointment today!