Does Tooth Implant Hurt? Understanding Dental Implant Surgery

A dental implant procedure is performed under anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the surgery. Dental implant surgery requires your dentist to cut through the gum and drill into the underlying bone before placing the dental implants. Afterwards, the surgical site will be stitched up. Some temporary discomfort can be expected after the procedure, but most patients find it mild and manageable.

When you visit a dentist that offers consultation, you will be given post-operative care instructions to help. In this post, we will address the question does tooth implant hurt, and when you might need to contact your dental professional. 

During Dental Implant Surgery: Does Tooth Implant Hurt?

Dental implants are always placed under local anaesthesia. This means you will be awake for your dental implant procedure, but you should not feel any pain. If you prefer, you may be eligible for sedation, which can ease any anxiety you may have surrounding the surgery.

After The Dental Implant Procedure: Does Tooth Implant Hurt?

Once the anaesthesia has worn off, you may experience tenderness, swelling, and temporary discomfort for a day or two. You should be able to manage swelling and pain with over-the-counter medication. You will be advised to eat soft foods and to chew on the other side of your mouth until these symptoms subside. Visit this link to learn more about the procedure.

A dentist that offers consultation will give you post-operative care instructions to speed up healing. These instructions will be given to make sure you stay comfortable and avoid infection at the surgical site.

Ice or a cold compress held to the outside of your face may help to reduce swelling and discomfort. It’s common to have a bit of light bleeding on the first day or two after your dental implant surgery.

How Painful Is A Dental Implant Procedure? Factors Influencing Discomfort

Lifting The Soft Tissue

It’s important to note that the discomfort that occurs after dental implant surgery is usually not a result of drilling into your jaw. Rather, it is because of the soft tissue. For this reason, if your gum tissue doesn’t need to be lifted, your level of discomfort will be much lower. In the event that some of your gum tissue has to be lifted, your level of discomfort will be a bit higher after your surgery.

Bone Grafting

If you have a bone graft before dental implants, you are likely to experience more tenderness and sensitivity after the procedure.

Your Gum Health

Patients who have strong, healthy gums typically report less pain and discomfort after dental implants. 

Your Own Pain Threshold

Some people are more sensitive to pain than others. Everyone has a different pain experience, so it’s difficult to standardise how it feels for patients in general. If you have concerns about pain, discuss pain management options with your dental professional before your procedure. 

Dental Implant Procedure: Signs Of A Complication

Most of the swelling should have improved three to five days after your procedure. Discomfort usually peaks once the anaesthesia has worn off, but by the second day, should be vastly improved. 

If you notice an increase in swelling, any new bleeding or persistent pain, you should contact your dentist. These could be signs of a complication such as an infection. If you notice pain when you touch the dental implants, you should also notify your dentist.

As a general rule, dental implant pain and discomfort should improve as the days progress. Persistent or worsening pain should be referred to your dentist.

When Pain Is A Symptom Of Dental Implant Failure

Although it is rare, particularly when your risk factors are managed, dental implants can fail in a small percentage of cases. You might notice worsening pain or swelling after your dental implants have been placed.

Some of the symptoms of implant failure after a dental implant procedure include

• Horizontal movement of the dental implants
• Bone loss
• Persistent inflammation

Some of the risk factors for dental implant failure include

• Bacterial infection at the implant site
• If you are a smoker
• Having a history of periodontal disease
• Untreated diabetes

What You Can Do To Care For Your Dental Implants

• Make sure you follow your dental practitioner’s post-operative instructions, especially with regard to keeping your mouth clean.
• Go to all of your follow-up appointments after your dental implant procedure so your dentist can make sure you are healing.
• Eat soft food for the first few days, chew slowly and cut your food into small, bite-sized pieces.

Concerns about pain should not deter you from replacing missing teeth. For a more in-depth discussion about ‘does tooth implant hurt’, please get a consultation at your local dental clinic: (02) 8203 8760.

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 Getting Dental Implants?
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-pain

How Painful Are Dental Implants?
https://www.medicinenet.com/how_painful_are_dental_implants/article.htm