Do Dental Implants Hurt? Tips Before and After a Dental Implant Thinking about getting a dental implant but worried about the pain? You’re not alone. At Mission Dental: Makeya Jenkins, DDS, we understand that any dental procedure can cause anxiety, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. The good news is—dental implants are more comfortable than most people think. And with the right care and information, the process can be smooth, safe, and virtually painless.Let’s explore what getting a dental implant is really like, share helpful tips for before and after the procedure, and give you honest answers to the most common questions we hear from patients in Antioch, Brentwood, La Vergne, Oak Hill, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, and Donelson. What is a dental implant? A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Once it’s securely placed in your jawbone, it supports a custom-made crown that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth. Implants are one of the best solutions for restoring your smile, your bite, and your confidence. Do dental implants hurt? This is probably the most common question we hear. The truth is: the procedure itself is not painful. During the implant placement, local anesthesia is used to completely numb the area, so you won’t feel pain—just a little pressure, similar to other routine dental procedures.After the surgery, you might feel mild discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity for a few days. But don’t worry—this is totally normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or a prescription from your dentist. Many patients say the experience is much easier than they expected.At Mission Dental, Dr. Makeya Jenkins and her team are committed to making your implant journey as stress-free and comfortable as possible. Tips Before Your Dental Implant Procedure Being well-prepared can help you feel more confident and relaxed. Here are some tips to consider before your implant appointment: Schedule a consultation: Your first step is to come in for a complete evaluation. Dr. Jenkins will assess your oral health, jawbone condition, and discuss the best treatment plan for you. Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to speak up! Understanding the process helps reduce anxiety. Follow pre-surgery instructions: You might be asked to avoid eating for a few hours or stop taking certain medications temporarily—be sure to follow the guidelines provided by our team. Practice good oral hygiene: A clean, healthy mouth reduces the risk of infection and helps ensure the implant heals properly. Aftercare: Tips for a Smooth Recovery Your body needs time to heal and allow the implant to integrate with your jawbone. Here’s how to take care of yourself post-surgery: Take it easy: Rest for the first 24–48 hours. Avoid strenuous activity and give your body time to recover. Stick to soft foods: Smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt are great options during the first few days. Keep it clean: Gently brush your teeth and follow any mouthwash or rinse instructions from Dr. Jenkins. Avoid smoking: Smoking slows down healing and increases the risk of implant failure. Attend follow-up visits: Your recovery will be monitored closely to make sure everything is healing just right. Compassionate Care, Right Here in Nashville At Mission Dental, we treat every patient like family. Whether you’re coming from Antioch, Brentwood, La Vergne, Oak Hill, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, or Donelson, our mission is to give you the best care possible in a welcoming and supportive environment.Dr. Makeya Jenkins is passionate about restoring smiles and helping patients feel confident about their dental health. If you’re considering a dental implant, we’ll guide you every step of the way—with expertise, kindness, and care.Ready to take the next step?Call us today at (615) 366-4141 to schedule your consultation and learn if a dental implant is right for you.  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. Am I a candidate for dental implants if I lost a tooth a long time ago?Yes, you may still be a candidate. Even if your tooth has been missing for years, implants are often possible. Dr. Jenkins will evaluate whether your jawbone is strong enough or if you may need a bone graft.2. How long does a dental implant last?With proper care, a dental implant can last 20 years or more—often a lifetime. Just like natural teeth, implants need good brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.3. How long is the recovery time after getting an implant?Most people feel back to normal within a few days. Full healing, when the implant fuses with the bone, can take 3 to 6 months.4. What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?Leaving a gap can cause nearby teeth to shift, affect your bite, and even lead to jawbone loss. A dental implant helps prevent these problems.5. How much does a dental implant cost?Costs can vary, but we offer 0% financing to make treatment more affordable. During your consultation, we’ll provide a clear breakdown of pricing and options. If you’re ready to restore your smile with a strong, natural-looking dental implant, we’re here to help.Call Mission Dental at (615) 366-4141 to book your appointment with Dr. Makeya Jenkins today. Your comfort and confidence are our top priorities.

At Mission Dental, we are committed to providing high-quality dental care to families and individuals in Nashville, TN, and surrounding areas, including Antioch, Brentwood, La Vergne, Oak Hill, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, and Donelson. Led by Dr. Makeya Jenkins, our team offers a full range of dental services, from preventive care to advanced restorative treatments. We believe that everyone deserves a healthy and beautiful smile, which is why we offer 0% financing to make dental care more accessible. General and Family Dentistry for Lifelong Oral Health Regular checkups and cleanings are the foundation of good oral health. At Mission Dental, we provide comprehensive general and family dentistry services, including professional cleanings, exams, and preventive treatments like fluoride and sealants. Whether you need a routine visit or care for the entire family, our team ensures a comfortable and stress-free experience for patients of all ages. Periodontal Therapy to Protect Your Gums Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, and it can also affect your overall health. Our periodontal therapy services help prevent, diagnose, and treat gum disease through deep cleanings, scaling and root planing, and personalized treatment plans. If you experience bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, seeking treatment early can help prevent serious complications. Clear Braces for a Straighter Smile If you want to straighten your teeth without traditional metal braces, we offer clear aligners that are nearly invisible, comfortable, and easy to maintain. These braces gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment, making them a great choice for both teens and adults looking to enhance their smile discreetly. Expert Oral Surgery and Dental Extractions Whether you need wisdom teeth removal, complex extractions, or other oral surgical procedures, our skilled team ensures a safe and efficient treatment process. We use advanced technology and sedation options to minimize discomfort and help patients feel at ease during their procedure. Sedation Dentistry for Anxiety-Free Visits We understand that visiting the dentist can be stressful for some patients. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry options to help you relax during your treatment. From mild sedation for general procedures to deeper sedation for complex treatments, we tailor our approach to your needs, ensuring a calm and comfortable experience. Root Canal Therapy to Save Your Teeth If you have a severely decayed or infected tooth, a root canal can save it from extraction. Our root canal therapy removes infected pulp, relieves pain, and restores the natural structure of your tooth. With modern techniques and sedation options, the procedure is comfortable and highly effective. Emergency Dentistry When You Need It Most Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and we’re here to help. Whether you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, or a dental infection, our emergency dentistry services provide fast relief and expert care. Call us at (615) 366-4141 for urgent dental treatment. Cosmetic Dentistry for a Stunning Smile If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, our cosmetic dentistry services include teeth whitening, veneers, and smile makeovers. We customize treatments to enhance your confidence and give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Restorative Dentistry to Rebuild Your Smile Missing or damaged teeth can affect your daily life, from eating to speaking confidently. Our restorative dentistry services include dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures to restore function and beauty to your smile. Frequently Asked Questions 1. How often should I visit the dentist? We recommend a checkup every six months for preventive care and early detection of dental issues. 2. Does Mission Dental accept insurance? Yes! We accept most major dental insurance plans and also offer 0% financing for affordable care. 3. Is clear aligner treatment better than traditional braces? Clear aligners are a great discreet alternative to braces, but the best option depends on your unique dental needs. 4. Do dental extractions hurt? With modern anesthesia and sedation, dental extractions are generally pain-free with minimal discomfort. 5. What should I do if I have a dental emergency? Call us immediately at (615) 366-4141, and we will schedule you for urgent care as soon as possible. At Mission Dental, we are dedicated to providing top-quality dental care to the Nashville community and surrounding areas. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, or restorative treatments, Dr. Makeya Jenkins and our team are here to help you achieve a healthy and radiant smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!  

Every patient deserves a beautiful, healthy smile that boosts their confidence. At Mission Dental, we offer restorative dentistry services to bring back your smile and make it even better than before! We can help in Nashville to fix anything from chipped or cracked teeth to problems like missing teeth or discoloration with options such as dental implants. We provide various treatments, and our friendly staff is here to listen and create a personalized plan for you. So don’t delay bringing back your beautiful smile – see us today! Dental implants are a necessary dental procedure that can help restore teeth and enhance oral health. If you are considering getting dental implants, you may have many questions. Fortunately, we are here to help. As your friendly dental providers at Mission Dental, we have outlined everything you need to know about dental implants.   What Are Dental Implants? Dental implants are an excellent option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or periodontal disease. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are made from titanium. These roots are placed into your jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge.   How Do Dental Implants Work? Dental implants work by fusing to your jawbone over time, which creates a strong and sturdy base for your replacement tooth. Once the implant has appropriately fused, Dr. Makeya Jenkins will attach a replacement tooth or bridge. The process usually takes several months to complete as you must allow the dental implant to osseointegrate with the jawbone.   Are Dental Implants Safe? Yes, dental implants are safe and are considered one of the most successful dental procedures, with a success rate of up to 98 percent. They are a safe and durable option for people who want to restore their teeth and improve their overall oral health.    What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants? Dental implants offer many benefits, including improved oral health, comfort, and aesthetics. They feel and function like natural teeth, which makes it easier for people to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Additionally, dental implants support your jawbone and prevent it from degenerating, keeping your face youthful and healthy.   What is the Procedure for Getting Dental Implants? The procedure for getting dental implants usually involves several steps, including consultation, implant placement surgery, and attachment of the replacement tooth or bridge.  Dr. Jenkins will assess your oral health during your consultation and discuss your options. Implant placement surgery involves the placement of the titanium implant into your jawbone, which usually takes one to two hours.  We may place a temporary crown to protect the new dental implant until the permanent crown is ready. This temporary crown is vital in ensuring that the implant heals properly. We will check up on the temporary crown regularly, and it should last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how long it takes for the new implant to complete its integration process with the jawbone.  Once this process is complete and healing has taken place, and the implant has sufficiently fused with the jawbone, we can place the permanent crown. You can count on me to provide you with optimal care and monitor your progress every step of the way!   Quality Dental Implants in Nashville, TN We hope that this guide has helped you understand what dental implants are and why they may be a good option for you. At Mission Dental, we are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients, and we offer a range of dental implant services to help you restore your teeth and improve your overall oral health. If you have any questions or would like to set up a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.