Living with Dental Implants: What Do They Feel Like Day-to-Day?

September 12, 2025

Patient with dental implants relaxing

Millions of patients consider dental implants for tooth replacement every year in the US, but many more hesitate. After all, the thought of having a titanium rod in your mouth sounds unpleasant! But what do dental implants feel like? Keep reading to learn what it feels like to have these modern marvels in your mouth every day.

What Sensations You’ll Feel During Surgery

Your first sensory experience with dental implants will be during the procedure itself. At this visit, your dentist will first numb your mouth and make sure you’re comfortable before surgery begins. You may feel some pressure against your gums as the implant site is opened to expose the jawbone underneath; however, there shouldn’t be any pain.

What Implants Feel Like During the Healing Process

After your dental implant surgery, it’s normal to experience mild discomfort, swelling, or tenderness in the first few days. The sensations will be similar to having a tooth extracted. Over-the-counter pain relievers and following your dentist’s post-op instructions will help you recover smoothly.

As the implant fuses with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, you won’t feel the implant itself. Even though the fixture is surrounded by nerves, it doesn’t contain any itself, so there’s no chance of discomfort within.

What a Dental Implant Feels Like Every Day

When your implant has fully integrated, your dentist will place the final restoration, which could be a crown, bridge, or denture. Once it’s complete, it will be a part of your bone structure, feeling much like your natural tooth did before its replacement.

You’ll be able to chew with it like a normal tooth, feeling the stimulation from the pressure in your gum. After a few weeks, you may even forget you have a dental implant at all!

Dental implants don’t just look like real teeth—they act like them, too. Once your healing is complete, you can eat, talk, and laugh with total comfort and confidence. If you’re ready to find out whether implants are right for you, reach out to your dentist today. A lifetime of natural feeling and function could be just a phone call away.

About the Practice

At Boulder Rock Dental, Dr. Tyler Flynn and Dr. Thinh Tran make sure every dental implant patient has the best experience. Our team uses advanced technology and precise planning to create comfortable, secure results that restore confidence and make your new smile feel completely your own. Call (386) 276-9051 to schedule a dental implant consultation with our team or visit our website to see a full menu of our services.