If your dentist has recommended dental implant surgery, you might be wondering about the level of pain associated with the procedure. Dental implants are always placed under anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort during surgery. If you visit a dentist for a free consultation, they will discuss the different types of anaesthesia with you and what would work best, considering your situation. In this article, we explain what to expect in terms of post-operative pain and healing as well as when abnormal symptoms should be brought up to your surgeon.
Before you undergo a dental implant procedure, you will have a consultation with your dentist to assess
- The number of implants required
- Are implants a suitable option for you? Are you a good candidate? If not, what are the other options?
- The information and planning of the dental implant procedure.
Luckily, most clinics offer free consultations so that patients can make informed decisions about their tooth replacement options.
Are dental implants painful?
Dental implants always require surgery, which is why the procedure is performed under anaesthetic. If you are only having one implant placed and do not think local anaesthetic will be enough, your dentist may recommend general anaesthesia instead.
Because pain is relative, some patients who have dental implants inserted may find the surgery more uncomfortable than having a tooth extracted. If you’re anxious about potential pain, it would be best to speak with your dentist beforehand so that a plan can be made to help manage any discomfort.
Pain after dental implant surgery
Some temporary symptoms you may experience after the anaesthetic wears off include tenderness and sensitivity at the implant site, swelling, light bleeding at the site, pain in your jaw, and light bruising.
Closely following your dentist’s post-operative care instructions will help prevent pain and complications
- You can reduce the swelling and bruise by applying a cold compress or ice pack to your face.
- If you’re experiencing pain, take over-the-counter medication or anti-inflammatories, as long as it doesn’t go against what the doctor said. Most people don’t need prescription-strength pain management when they have surgery.
Take special care of the surgical site
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth for the first few days after surgery.
- Limit yourself to soft foods.
Dental implant pain: how long does it last?
For around ten days after your dental procedure, you may feel some discomfort in your jaw. For some patients, this feeling lasts up to 14 days, but others find that they’re back to normal within a week. The swelling and bruising associated with the implants may last slightly longer than the pain itself.
Generally, only mild pain medication is necessary for dental implant surgery recovery. Some patients don’t need any medication at all.
When to visit your dentist?
If you’re in pain that lasts for more than two weeks or appears to be getting worse, please contact your dentist. In some cases, increased pain can indicate an underlying issue that needs medical attention.
Additionally, if you experience any of the following symptoms, reach out to your dentist immediately:
- Swelling that is increasing around the face and the site of the implant
- Nausea or vomit
- Increased bleeding
- Fever and chills.
By being a compliant patient and following your dentist’s instructions, you will decrease the chances of complications after your procedure.
What can go wrong after a dental implant?
Although unlikely, there are a few risks associated with this surgery that your dentist will go over with you before scheduling the procedure. Worsening pain can be caused by: 
- An infection near or at the site where the implant was placed.
- Dental implant failure in case the gum doesn’t fuse well with the implant post.
- Your surgical incision opening up.
- Loose tooth implants or ill-fitted implants.
How to avoid an implant failure?
If you want to avoid an implant failure, take the time to do a thorough evaluation and plan accordingly. Good planning decreases your chances of implant failure significantly.
- Smoking is one of the primary reasons for implant failure, try to reduce or quit smoking to have successful implant surgery.
- Have good dental hygiene.
- Do not have any other prolonged teeth issues or gum disease.
How to care for your dental implants?
- Use a soft bristle brush for brushing. Invest in a quality water flosser for your teeth.
- Do not try to break hard-shelled food such as nuts with your teeth.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash to prevent any gum disease.
- Avoid the use of abrasive toothpaste.
- Visit your dentist frequently to keep track of your dental health.
If you are still wondering about tooth implant pain, call our expert team at Dental Spot on (02) 9158 6115 to book a free consultation. We’ll be happy to discuss your pain management options with you.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Is it common to experience pain after dental implants?
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-pain
Dental Implants
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants#:~:text=Most%20people%20who%20have%20received,pain%20than%20a%20tooth%20extraction
