Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They are made of titanium, which is biocompatible. This prevents the implant from being rejected by the body and allows it to permanently fuse with the bone over time. This makes dental implants a strong and durable tooth replacement option and the only permanent solution for tooth loss.
Despite dental implants being the best tooth replacement option available, many patients wonder do tooth implants hurt. Visiting a dentist that offers a consultation can help you learn more about the procedure.
Does a Tooth Implant Hurt: The Dental Implant Surgery
At Dental Spot, we have extensive experience using gentle dentistry techniques to help ensure your comfort during dental implant surgery.
Before beginning the dental implant procedure, your dentist applies a numbing gel to the affected site and injects a local anaesthetic to numb the area.
Once the tissue is numb, your oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gums to expose the bone. Then, using a specialised drill, they create a hole in the bone for the titanium implant post. As the implant is screwed into the prepared hole, you may feel some pressure, but you shouldn’t feel any pain. If you feel any discomfort, communicate with your dentist, and they can administer additional anaesthesia.
Once the implant post is in place, the gums will be sutured closed.
Does a Tooth Implant Hurt After the Dental Implant Procedure?
It’s natural to feel some apprehension before having surgery, but it’s important to know that dental implant procedures are safe and common. Numerous people have successful implants every year; dental implants have a 90-95% success rate. Most patients report little or no discomfort following their dental implant procedure.
Dental Implant Surgery Aftercare
It is normal to experience some soreness, bruising, or swelling after a dental implant procedure. This can be managed with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
If you’re one of the few dental implant patients that feels significant pain or discomfort from the surgery, your surgeon may prescribe a stronger pain reliever as you recover.
Applying ice to the area intermittently for 15 minutes on and off can also help reduce swelling. Ensure you place a towel between the ice pack and your skin to prevent irritation.
Rinse your mouth with a solution made with 1 cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon of table salt. The saline solution can eliminate bacteria and prevent infection and inflammation that can cause dental implant pain.
As your mouth heals, you’ll want to stick to soft foods and take care not to damage your sutures. Avoiding crunchy or chewy foods will ensure that your stitches stay in place and that your implant heals properly. Once your implant has healed, you’ll be able to enjoy all your favourite foods again without any restrictions.
The initial recovery period from dental implant surgery is around two weeks; however, it can take six to nine months for the implant to fuse with your jawbone.
What Should I Do if My Dental Implant Hurts?
If you’ve recently had a tooth implant, it’s normal to feel discomfort and soreness in the gums and surrounding area. However, if the pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days, it could be a sign of a problem.
Possible causes of dental implant pain include postoperative complications such as peri-implantitis (inflammation of the tissue around the implant) or implant rejection.
Other symptoms to look out for while recovering from dental implant surgery include fever, pus, loose implants, and swelling. You must immediately contact your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms. They can determine the cause of the problem and provide appropriate treatment.
Get a Consultation at Your Local Dental Clinic in Croydon
If you’re considering dental implants, book a dental consultation near you. During the consultation, your dentist examines your teeth and gums and takes digital images to ensure you’re a good candidate for a dental implant procedure. They’ll also answer any questions about the surgery, such as does a tooth implant hurt.
Once you decide to go ahead with the dental implant procedure, your dentist will develop a treatment plan for you. The whole process usually takes several months from start to finish, but it’s well worth the wait for a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Dental Spot is a full-service family dental clinic in Croydon that offers cutting-edge dental implant services to Australians in the greater Sydney area. Call us at (02) 9158 6115 to speak to one of our friendly associates and schedule a dental implant consultation today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Peri-Implantitis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29926957/
Dental Implants: A Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26995275/
Dental Implants
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28886772/
Dental Implant Failure Rate and Associated Risk Factors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16161741/
Analgesics for Dental Implants: A Systematic Review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7872962/
Post-Operative Pain Management in Dental Implant Surgery: A Systematic Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33839939/
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