When you are missing teeth, it can lead to problems with eating and chewing, proper functioning of the jaw, and lowered self-confidence. Whether it is one missing tooth in the back or a few in the front that everyone can see, patients are often looking for a solution to help handle thee problem. Dental implant surgery can be a solution to replace those missing teeth and give you the confidence you are looking for. But patients may wonder how much pain to expect from dental implant surgery.
During dental implant surgery, you should expect no pain from the procedure itself. Your dentist should use sedation to help make the procedure painless and easy to get through. However, for about a week after the surgery, you may notice some pain, tenderness, swelling, and bruising, specifically in the dental implant area as the sedation starts to go down. Your dentist can help limit the discomfort and pain.
After some slight discomfort from the dental implants, you will be able to enjoy a brand new smile that you will be happy to show off. Let’s take a closer look at how much pain is normal during and after your dental implant surgery so you can prepare.
Feeling Pain After Dental Implant Surgery
Patients may worry about the pain they will experience after dental implant surgery. Many have discussed this procedure with their dentist, but they worry about whether the pain is worth the work and if dental implant surgery is right for them.
Patients will feel no pain during the surgery itself. Your dentist will work with you to provide sedation that can prevent pain while the implant is being placed in your mouth. In some cases, other dental work needs to be done at the same time.
Once the dental implant surgery is complete, the patient may feel some mild pain as their sedation starts to wear off. Tenderness and discomfort is common from the work that was done and from the implant device itself. Your dental professional will likely prescribe some painkillers to help relieve the pain. All pain should be gone within one to two weeks.
How Much Pain is Normal After Dental Implant Surgery?
Every patient is different, so the amount of pain and discomfort felt can vary. Some discomfort and pain are normal after dental implant placement, with most of it happening after the procedure is done and the sedative has worn down. Patients may notice a few different sensations including:
- Swelling in the area of the dental implant.
- Bruising
- Inflammation of the gums
- Discomfort
- Pain
These sensations will start to show up as soon as the sedative wears down. It is also common to notice some bleeding for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. If the bleeding continues past that time, call a dental professional immediately.
Are There Different Types of Pain After Dental Implant Surgery?
Some of the most common types of pain felt after dental implant surgery include:
- Throbbing pain: This is a sign the incision has opened up. An antibiotic may be necessary to avoid an infection. This is also a sign that the implant hasn’t properly fused to the bone, so the dentist may need to remove the dental implant and reattach it.
- Pressure: Some patients will also feel some pressure after the dental implant surgery. This is normal for a day or two after surgery. This will fade as the mouth adjusts to the implants.
- Dull ache: As the implant begins to heal, a dull ache during the first few days after treatment may develop. If it goes from a dull ache to a throbbing or sharp pain, it is time to contact a dental professional.
- Ear pain: If the dental implant is placed closer to the back of the mouth, pain may be felt near the ear. If it is a dull pain, this is normal. If it is a short pain that gets worse, it may be a sign of an infection that needs immediate attention
- The tooth next to the implant hurts: If the implant is placed properly, then no other teeth should be affected. But if the tooth does hurt, this is a sign that the implant is either in wrong or that there is an infection or some decay in the adjacent tooth.
- Discomfort after a crown placement: The dental professional may decide to do a crown while completing the surgery. If pain after this happens, it is a sign that the crown is a poor fit or that some bacteria got under the crown, causing an infection. Get it checked out immediately.
How Long Should Pain After Dental Implant Surgery Last?
Most patients will notice the pain within a day of the surgery as the sedation starts to fade off. It is common for the pain to last for a few days up to two weeks. If it continues after two weeks or it suddenly gets worse, this is a sign of a problem
Enjoying Your New Dental Implants
No one wants to deal with pain and discomfort after visiting the dentist, these symptoms should only last for one or two weeks at most, with most only feeling the pain for a few days. Once that time is done, the dental implants are in place and can get to work improving your smile and helping with the functioning of the mouth and jaw. Any time there is excessive pain and discomfort, it is best to discuss this with your dental professional.
Dr. Choi – Dental Implant Specialist in Los Angeles, CA.
32ology Dental Studio – Multi Specialty Dental Center
18740 Ventura Blvd., Ste 108 Tarzana CA 91356
(818) 776-1236
Serving : Tarzana | Sherman Oaks | Encino | Woodland Hills | West Hills | Reseda