No, you won’t.
Patients often ask if it will be possible for them to feel the dental implant once it has been set under their skin. Such a question is quite natural since a dental implant basically consists of titanium posts implanted deeply inside the jawbone to take the place of missing teeth. We discuss in the present article whether a dental implant can be felt under the skin, how dental implants chemically bond with the jawbone, and what are the stages of the procedure.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a metal, typically titanium, element that is surgically placed in the jawbone and acts as a base for a new tooth. After the implant is inserted, the bone will grow around it as the body heals naturally during the process called osseointegration which takes 4 to 6 months. Once the implant is integrated with the bone, a new tooth, also known as a crown or prosthetic tooth, is attached to the implant, thus having the look and the function of a real tooth.
Will I Feel the Implant Under My Skin?
Usually, after the healing period, you should not be able to feel any dental implant beneath your skin.
Here is why:
Implant Fusion With the Bone
Right after placing the implant, the implant merges with your bone. This is called osseointegration, the implant will thus become very stable in your mouth. The implant is generally inserted deeply into the bone, well below the skin or gum layer. The surrounding tissue gradually heals leaving the implant permanently embedded in your jaw.
When the implant is firmly gripped by the jawbone and the soft tissues such as the gums cover it, you won’t feel any sensation or discomfort after the wound is fully healed. The bone and soft tissue around the implant are not as sensitive to touch as the teeth or gums.
An Effect for a Short Time Only after Surgery
Right after dental implant surgery, it is normal that you feel pain, swelling, or tenderness in the area where the implant has inserted. This is the nature of a surgical intervention and the body’s healing response. Pain, swelling, and tenderness should be gone in a few days, no later than a week.
In the healing period, you might experience a bit of pressure or pain when eating, but with the reduction of swelling and the disappearance of pain, you will no longer be able to feel the implant under your skin.
Role of Oral Mucosa
At first, oral mucosa around an implant might be sore. They will create an impenetrable barrier around the implant after they have completely recovered. You may notice a slight sensitivity in the gum line as the implant meshes with the bone but the titanium post will remain invisible under the surface of your skin.
Being Conscious of Your Mouth
After the implant has fully integrated with the bone, no sensation should be experienced. The only things you will feel are the crown or prosthetic tooth connected to the implant as when chewing or biting. The titanium post itself will be one of the parts of your mouth, stable and non-moving, with which you are no longer conscious.
When Should You Call Your Dentist?
Here are some symptoms potentially caused by dental implants that patients usually ignore but should seriously be in contact with their dentist:
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
| Increased pain or discomfort | May indicate infection, improper healing, or other complications. |
| Swelling or bruising | Normal during healing, but persistent or worsening swelling requires attention. |
| Movement or loosening of the implant | Possible sign of implant failure or insufficient osseointegration. |
| Visible infection or pus | May indicate infection around the implant site. |
In the case of meeting any of these symptoms, it is highly recommended that you call your dentist right away in order to ensure the healing process is on the right track and that no complications are involved.
Dental Implant in Turkey
Once a dental implant has thoroughly bonded with your jawbone, you shouldn’t be able to sense it through your skin. After the operation, there may only be a certain amount of pain and sensitivity that will disappear naturally with the implant healing process. If you look after it well, your dental implant will be a long-lasting and stable solution to the problem of a missing tooth not only in terms of function but also in terms of appearance.
At LEMA Dental Clinic, excellence in healthcare provision for patients is what our team of professionals led by Dentist Polen Akkılıç and Professor Doctor Coşkun Yıldız is committed to. If you’re contemplating on dental implants, we are just the right place for you to go through the whole process step by step and to accomplish a healthy, beautiful smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
No, if the implant has properly bonded with the bone, you won’t be able to feel it through the skin.
Normally, the procedure is carried out using local anesthesia, so during the surgery, you shouldn’t experience pain. Some discomfort may be experienced during the healing stage.
Generally, the healing process can take between 3 and 6 months, depending on various factors such as the condition of the bone and the individual’s healing capacity.
Once the initial healing phase is over, you will be able to eat normally. In the first few weeks after the operation, a soft diet is advised.
Yes, dental implants are safe and their success rate is very high, especially when they are inserted by a qualified professional. Thus, they can be considered a long-term solution for the problem of missing teeth.
Esposito, M., & Grusovin, M. (2020). Immediate Loading of Dental Implants: Clinical Outcomes and Considerations. Journal of Oral Implantology, 47(1), 22-30.
Sakkas, S., & Kotsakis, G. (2019). Dental Implants and Oral Hygiene: Ensuring Longevity and Reducing Complications. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, 21(3), 348-357.
LEMA Dental Clinic (2024). What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery. Retrieved from LEMA Clinic Website.
