Is Getting Dental Implants Painful?
Dental implants are an excellent choice for replacing missing teeth, and honestly, the surgery is much less painful than it sounds. According to research, most individuals who undergo implant surgery note only minor pain related to the procedure.
Vaibhav Bajaj, DMD, MPA is a top-rated dentist and dental implants specialist in Charlotte, North Carolina. He’s well-known for providing expert care and stellar results throughout the implant process. It’s a popular procedure at his busy practice – Charlotte Dental Esthetics – for many reasons, including the relatively mild discomfort involved.
What is dental implant surgery like?
During the surgery, Dr. Bajaj makes a small incision in the targeted gum area and secures the titanium implant into your jawbone. This portion of the implant acts as a “root” for the porcelain crown that becomes your replacement tooth. Depending on your needs, dental implants can replace one, several, or all your teeth.
Once the implant is secured, Dr. Bajaj closes the gum incision with a small suture and allows your jawbone time to heal and grow around the biofriendly titanium root before proceeding, which may take several weeks to months.
After the bony tissue in your jaw has integrated with the implant, Dr. Bajaj adds a small abutment that connects the titanium root to the porcelain crown. He also creates the mold for your porcelain crown(s) during this visit. Once the crowns are ready, you’ll return to have them permanently attached and can expect to leave the office with a gorgeous new smile.
How much pain should I expect during dental implant surgery?
You shouldn’t experience any significant discomfort during the surgery, which typically requires only local anesthesia to eliminate pain from the incision or implant process. You may feel a mild pinch with the injection that’s used to deliver the anesthetic, but numbing agent applied topically to your gums beforehand usually prevents even that discomfort.
Is there discomfort after dental implant surgery?
Yes, you can expect discomfort after dental surgery, including implant surgery. Most patients report the pain as tolerable, however, about what you might expect after a tooth extraction.
Mild pain and minor bleeding are common at the implant site. Your discomfort will likely be at its worse about six hours after the procedure, but should begin to decrease and essentially resolve within 7-10 days. Depending on how many dental implants were placed and where, you may also notice tenderness in your chin, cheeks, or under your eyes.
What can I do to relieve discomfort after implant surgery?
Dr. Bajaj will give you detailed instructions regarding pain management and the care of your implant site(s). This might include prescription pain medication initially and then over-the-counter products such as ibuprofen for discomfort and to reduce inflammation.
Otherwise, Dr. Bajaj might also recommend:
Eating soft foods for several days
Rinsing with gentle, warm saltwater starting the day after your surgery
Resting either in your bed or on your couch the first day
Avoiding vigorous exercise for two to three days
Applying ice packs to the outer cheeks or other areas of discomfort
Everyone experiences pain differently, but most individuals who receive dental implants report only mild to moderate discomfort for a couple of days that is generally well-tolerated.
Dental implant surgery at Charlotte Dental Esthetics starts with an exam and detailed discussion with Dr. Bajaj regarding the surgery, the benefits of dental implants, and what you can expect during the healing process. Call today to schedule your visit, or request an appointment online.