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Is Dental Implant Painful? Most FAQs Regarding Tooth Implant Pain

Faris Kirmani • Jan 26, 2023

Dental implants are a popular solution for those looking to replace missing teeth. However, many people worry about the pain associated with this procedure. While it is true that a dental implant is a surgical procedure, most patients report minimal discomfort following the treatment.

A qualified dentist can give you dental implants that are the closest option to healthy, natural teeth. They have a high success rate, and following their treatment, patients enjoy smiling and eating their favourite foods again.

In this article, we will answer the questions that people most frequently ask about pain related to dental implants:

Does The Implant Surgery Hurt?

During the actual implant surgery, your dentist will administer either local anesthesia or IV sedation to ensure maximum comfort. During this time, you may feel some pressure, but the pain is usually minimal.

Following the implant surgery, there is normally some mild discomfort associated with healing. Your dentist will provide you with a special pain management protocol that is tailored to your individual needs. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help prevent any infections from developing.

What exactly causes the pain is the manipulation that happens to the soft tissue during the process. Some dental implant treatments require lifts in the gum tissue, while others do not. If your dentist opts for a small flap of gum tissue to be lifted, though, expect to have some discomfort the first-night post-op; however, this subsides quickly.

If a patient needs a bone graft for well-supported tooth implants, they will experience discomfort for the first three days after the procedure. To combat this, dentists prescribe a strong pain reliever.

The discomfort usually lasts 1-3 days following the surgery, regardless of other factors, such as how much gum tissue was lifted or if grafting was required.

Peri-Implant Disease

Peri-Implant is another potential cause of pain associated with dental implants. This is an inflammatory condition that is caused by plaque and bacteria buildup and can cause bone loss around the implant, which is then painful.

Peri-implant disease is classified into two categories:

Peri-implant mucositis

Is an inflammation of the gums and is generally reversible.

Peri-implantitis

Is a destructive disease that is more severe and is not reversible.

Both forms of the peri-implant disease can cause pain. Still, they are easily avoided if you take proper care of your dental implants and maintain a good oral hygiene regimen after the procedure, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily.

Most people who have dental implants experience only minor irritation during the healing process. This is usually due to the body's natural response to foreign materials and should subside once fully healed. It is important to follow any instructions given by your dentist regarding after-care, as this can help minimise any discomfort during the recovery period.

What is Recovery Like?

Other symptoms you may feel after the surgery:

bleeding at the surgery site
swelling around the gums and the face
minor bruising
jaw pain

This is because the body is healing around the implant, which is an unfamiliar material. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and following your dentist's instructions for aftercare. The post-surgery instructions may include the following:

Taking prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.
Applying ice packs to reduce swelling.
Maintaining a soft food diet for the first few days.
Cleaning the mouth gently with warm salt water or an antiseptic rinse.
Avoid strenuous activities that might put a strain on the implant site.

How Long Should This Pain Last?

The discomfort is usually short-lived and should subside within a few days of the surgery. If any pain lasts longer than a week, or you're having excessive bleeding, contact your dentist immediately to ensure that there is no underlying condition causing the complications.

For the first week or two post-surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising, and stiffness in your jaw. However, these symptoms will eventually fade.

What Not To Do After The Surgery?

Although the pain is usually minimal, it is important to take care of yourself and your mouth for a successful recovery. Here is what not to do after having dental implant surgery:

Do not smoke or use tobacco products
Avoid alcoholic beverages
Don't eat hard foods like popcorn, chips, nuts or crunchy fruits
Don't touch or move the implant
Avoid strenuous activities that may put a strain on the implant site
Do not blow your nose or sneeze forcefully
Do not use straws
Don’t do any activities that could dislodge the stitches

For anyone considering dental implants, click this link, it is helpful to know that the procedure is not painful. Although some discomfort may be experienced during the implant placement and recovery process, most patients report that it is manageable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is safe to say that getting dental implants is not necessarily painful. While some discomfort is expected, most patients find that it is manageable and can be easily addressed with over-the-counter pain relief.

With proper care and a reliable dentist during the healing process, you should experience a successful dental implant treatment with minimal pain. However, if you are concerned about your level of comfort during or after the procedure, make sure to contact us on (02) 4501 7930 and discuss your concerns with our friendly dentist at Riverlands Dental.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.