Are Dental Implants Painful? (What to Expect)

Dental implant surgery is one of the most common and reliable methods of replacing missing a tooth. According to a study by Forbes, around 6% of Americans have implants now, with the number growing to 26% by 2026. But are dental implants painful and what can you expect when having one?

There are various factors influencing dental implant pain that we will address in this article along with ways of managing the pain most effectively. Moreover, we will also touch upon the advantages of dental implants and why choosing they are considered the best tooth replacement option.

Understanding Dental Implants

Dental implants are sophisticated dental devices that are designed to replace missing teeth and offer a long-term solution. These implants are mostly made from titanium that is implanted surgically into the jawbone of an individual. Once a dental implant is fitted, a prosthetic crown is installed a few months later that mimics the appearance of a real tooth.

Other teeth replacement options include dentures and bridges which are removable devices. These options do not offer a permanent solution to missing teeth and require regular maintenance, making them an unpopular option as compared to dental implants which offer a permanent solution.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

Patients often expect dental implants to be really painful given that they are directly implanted into the jawbone. However, they inflict very little pain compared to a tooth extraction process. 

The installation process is itself a painless procedure since the patient’s mouth is numbed using anesthesia before drilling the hole into the jawbone and making the implant. Mild pain may be experienced after the implantation process once the numbness wears off. The level of pain is minimal given that the surgeon does an expert job and carries out the procedure perfectly.

However, patients may feel an increased level of discomfort if the implantation is not done properly or an infection has developed in the area of the implant. It is advised to perform a full mouth checkup to look for any signs of improper implant or infection.

How painful are dental implants can be found by the position of their installation where pain can be felt in the cheeks, chin, or sometimes under the eyes. Most patients rarely feel any considerable pain after the implant and proper care can alleviate that as well.

How to Reduce Pain and Discomfort After Dental Implants?

Preventative measures should be taken when individuals experience pain after dental implants to ensure that the pain does not elevate. Mostly, dentists prescribe medicines that help relieve pain with common medicines such as Tylenol and Advil. Apart from that, patients may turn to over-the-counter pain relievers to experience instant pain relief. Home remedies such as keeping ice packs near the mouth can also give relief.

It is crucial to exercise care in what patients eat since it can contribute to pain in the newly implanted dental tooth. Avoid eating hot, spicy, and crunchy foods for the first 10-14 days to ensure a smooth recovery. 

Rinsing the mouth regularly with warm water and maintaining good oral hygiene with light brushing are extremely important to reduce pain and experience a speedy recovery. It is advised to follow every guideline that your dentist has recommended and practice any additional care if needed.

What is the Recovery Timeline for Dental Implants?

In case of proper implantation and no signs of infection, recovery for dental implants can take up to 2 weeks provided that proper homecare is done. After two weeks, even if the implant feels tender to the touch, the pain is almost gone. The dental implant continues to heal and after 3-6 months it gets completely bonded with the jawbone.

Advantages of Dental Implants

One of the greatest advantages of dental implants is that they offer a long-term solution for missing teeth, unlike other tooth replacement methods such as dentures and bridges. Thanks to sophisticated technology, dental implants are crafted most precisely which allows them to behave like natural teeth.

Timely dental implants help prevent bone loss since they bond permanently with the jawbone also keeping nearby teeth stable. Overall, dental implants improve the well-being of your dental health and make you smile naturally.

Conclusion

Now you know are dental implants painful and the ways to manage the pain effectively, ensuring a speedy recovery. Always make sure that you choose the best dentistry for your dental implants since it holds immense importance for your dental health.

A-Plus Dentistry has been providing premium dental implant services for the past few years and has been spreading smiles to thousands of faces. Contact them today to get an appointment scheduled for your dental implant or regular dental checkup. Moreover, always make sure to consult a dentist for any questions or concerns regarding your dental implant.