“Will I feel pain after dental implant surgery?” This question is commonly asked by people considering dental implants. In this article from RiverRock DDS, we will help clarify all your doubts about dental implant pain and proper aftercare.
As modern dentistry advances to offer people advanced solutions like dental implants, more people are opting for these to replace a single tooth or several missing teeth. In the case of all-on-4 implants and all-on-6 implants, just 4-6 titanium implants are enough to provide patients with a complete set of teeth on their lower/upper jaw.
While there is no denying the benefits of implants. It is also important to address all concerns related to dental implant pain. The titanium screws or implants are surgically inserted into your jawbone, where they fuse with the surrounding bone and tissue as a part of a process called osseointegration. The surgery requires the dentist to cut into your gum and jawbone to create space for the titanium screws.
We will take you through the various stages of recovery post-implant surgery, what to expect as your implant sites start healing, and the importance of following proper aftercare instructions.
Why Do You Need Dental Implants?
The primary purpose of dental implants is to replace missing teeth. At the same time, they are also used to secure bridges and dentures. Implants further help boost jaw bone health and stimulate growth in areas experiencing bone and tissue loss due to missing teeth.
Implants also help restore your ability to chew and digest your food properly and improve your nutritional intake. They further enable you to speak normally and smile.
Who Needs Dental Implants?
Dental implants are advisable for adults with at least one or more missing teeth and looking for a permanent solution that restores full functionality.
The key advantages of dental implants are listed below.
- A highly-successful and long-lasting solution, dental implants can last for 20 years or more if maintained properly.
- They look and function just like your natural teeth.
- Boost jaw bone health and promote reabsorption.
- Restore your smile and confidence.
Is Dental Implant Pain Normal Post Surgery?
Are you looking to get dental implants in Downtown Shakopee, MN? If so, it’s quite natural to have questions about when you can expect the discomfort and pain to subside after surgery.
What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery?
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There Won’t be Much Pain Immediately Post-Surgery
As your dentist will use a local anesthetic and a mild sedative to prep you for the implant surgery, your mouth will probably feel numb for a few hours afterward.
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The Pain Usually Peaks 48-72 Hours Post-Surgery
Once the anesthesia and sedative effect wear out, you will experience minor discomfort and pain. There may also be some bruising, swelling, inflammation, and tenderness at the treatment site(s). You can take over-the-counter pain medicines for relief if required. Compared to tooth extraction surgery, implant surgery is much less invasive and painful.
In some cases, patients can also experience some bleeding post-surgery. This occurs most commonly 24-48 hours after surgery. Minor bleeding is no cause for concern. But if the bleeding intensifies or continues beyond this period, you need to call your dental clinic.
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Dental Implant Pain and Discomfort Wanes After 3 Days
If you maintain proper aftercare by following all your doctor’s instructions carefully, then much of your pain and discomfort should subside after 3 days. There may still be some bruising and tenderness in the areas, but these will become less severe in a day or two.
After a week, there will be a visible reduction in the swelling, and the pain will subside as well, allowing you to brush without experiencing discomfort or bleeding.
At this point, you can resume your regular diet and exercise. Just avoid irritating the implant sites and maintain proper oral hygiene.
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What Do You Do if Dental Implant Pain Persists After 2 Weeks?
Your mouth should fully heal within 7 to 14 days after surgery. If the discomfort and inflammation persist for more than 2 weeks. It can be caused by an infection at the surgical site(s), bonding failure, or rejection due to a metal allergy. Make sure to contact your dentist and book an appointment for an oral exam to determine the root cause of your pain.
What to Do to Avoid/Minimize Dental Implant Pain After Surgery?
As you can see, some pain and discomfort are natural after surgery. However, taking proper precautions and following the aftercare protocol shared by your dentist/dental clinic can reduce the risk of complications and fasten recovery.
While most dentists will give you a personalized list of instructions after surgery, here are some basic guidelines you can follow to avoid dental implant pain.
Steps to Avoid Dental Implant Pain After Surgery
- Once the incision site(s) has been closed with stitches, your dentist will place a gauze pad on top and ask you to apply pressure to the site.
- You can bite down firmly on the gauze pad to staunch the bleeding for at least an hour.
- If that doesn’t staunch the bleeding, you can press down on the gauze for another 30 minutes.
- Try to keep food and liquids away from the implant sites, especially during the first 24 hours.
- Hot or warm water salt washes also promote healing during the first week. Just make sure that the water is not scalding hot.
- Avoid sucking on straws and smoking during this period. As it can result in a very painful condition called dry socket.
- You can also reduce swelling in your mouth by using a cold compress. Apply the ice compress to your face for 20 mins at a time. Then wait for 10 mins and re-apply it if required.
- Try sleeping at a slightly elevated angle by propping yourself on 2-3 pillows.
- Avoid biting down on the implant sites while they heal, use a mouth guard if you have bruxism.
To See if Dental Implants are Right for You, Contact River Rock DDS Today!
If you are planning to get dental implants in East Shakopee, MN, and are looking for a team of experienced dentists who are well-versed in dental implants, look no further than RiverRock Dental.
Our dental experts will conduct an initial consultation on dental implants and whether they are the right fit for you. At the same time, they will be more than happy to address any questions or concerns you may have about dental implant pain.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us to resolve all your queries about dental implants today!
