What Hurts More, Tooth Extraction or Implant

Dental implants are the most common option for replacing damaged or missing teeth. Implants have become a preferred option because they function like a natural tooth. The feel and confidence that it gives are like those of a natural tooth. This is why the best dental clinics like Do Good Dental recommend it.

Most people want to know if the pain associated with dental implant is more compared to tooth extraction. This is because the pain threshold of each person varies a lot. However, going by the report of patients who have undergone both procedures, it is said that the implant pain is less than that of tooth extraction. 

Pain During the Implant Procedure

The dental implant process is a surgical procedure, and just like most surgical procedures, pain is inevitable. Although, due to anesthesia in most surgical operations, there is little or no discomfort experienced by patients. The pain mostly comes after the process is done. Variations in surgical procedures and dentists are also key factors in the degree of discomfort felt by the patients.

Effect of Anesthesia on The Implant Procedure

Anesthesias are drugs or injections administered to patients during surgical procedures to reduce or eliminate pain during surgical procedures. Depending on the patients, anesthesia used may be local or general. Also, oral sedatives or IV sedation may be employed for patients with a history of high levels of discomfort during previous surgical procedures or patients who show high levels of nervousness and anxiety for surgical operations. Anesthesia plays an important role in all forms of surgical procedures and not just dental procedures. 

Discomfort After Implant

Discomfort after the implant process is more or less similar to those experienced in common dental operations. Due to the incisions made on the gum during the implanting, it is usually common for bleeding to occur at the implant site. This bleeding is usually associated with some degree of pain or discomfort as most anesthesia used during the surgical procedure must have worn off after 2 to 3 hours following the operation. In some instances, patients who had an additional tooth graft process may have bruises on the gum as well as swollen gum. 

Generally, pains and discomfort associated with implants can be taken care of with common pain medications. Examples include; acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and codeine. These medications can easily eliminate post-procedural pain.

Tooth Extraction

The process of tooth extraction can either be simple or surgical. Process type is dependent on the visibility of the tooth.

Simple Extraction

In a simple extraction, anesthesia is employed to numb the area around the tooth to be extracted. This anesthesia helps eliminate pain and pressure during the process. After this, the dentist uses an elevator to loosen the tooth. After that, he uses forceps to remove the loosened tooth. 

Surgical Extraction

Usually, both local and intravenous anesthesia is employed in surgical extraction. This is to make you steady and comfortable. General anesthesia may be employed depending on the medical condition. If used, you will stay unconscious during the operation. A surgical extraction involves making an incision in the gums. As such, bleeding is expected. In some cases, bones might even be removed. 

Risk Associated with Extraction

Usually, the risk associated with extraction is less than the benefit, especially if your dentist suggested the process. 

A major complication associated with extraction is the lack of blood clot formation in the socket – the area where extraction occurred. Lack of blood clot in the socket – dry socket is usually taken care of by placing a sedative dressing on the socket for a few days for new clots to be formed. 

Other forms of complications are fever, chills, cough, vomiting, nausea, excessive bleeding for a more extended period, chest pain, swelling of the extraction site, shortness of breath, and so on. 

Cost of Tooth Extraction

The cost of tooth extraction depends on the degree of impaction of the tooth to be extracted and the type of anesthesia used in the extraction process. Simple extraction cost between $70 to $195 while destruction of impacted teeth cost between $750 to $3900. Your geographical area may also impact the price of extraction. The cost of living in a particular area could determine the cost of getting your tooth extracted. 

Whether you are getting your tooth extracted or you are opting for dental implants, you can not escape the pain. The best thing for you is to ask your dentist for advice on which option to go for, so they can advise you accordingly.