One of the most frequent questions and concerns about having dental implant surgery is, “Will it hurt?” Although dental implants are common and provide an optimal treatment choice for replacing missing teeth, fear of pain makes some people hesitant to choose an implant procedure. Continue reading to learn more about pain after implant surgery and what to expect after the treatment.
If you have questions or concerns about pain after implant surgery, schedule an appointment at Trident Dental for a comprehensive oral examination.
What Is Dental Implant Surgery?
There are two major parts of getting a dental implant. The first is the dental implant surgery procedure. This is usually an outpatient procedure that may include these steps:
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Sedation. To reduce anxiety, you may receive an oral or intravenous sedative medication. Additionally, inhalation sedation such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be administered.
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Local dental anesthetic. You receive this prior to the procedure to numb your gums and jawbone. This allows the procedure to be performed painlessly and minimizes post-operative discomfort.
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Dental implant placement. A metal post is inserted in the jawbone to replace the missing tooth’s root.
After the gums and bone heal, a dental crown is attached to the implant. This results in a natural appearance to replace the missing tooth.
Should I Feel Pain After Implant Surgery?
Although modern dental implant surgery requires a minimal surgical incision and bone preparation, it is still an oral surgical procedure that requires time to heal. The dental anesthetic will numb the surgical area for several hours after the surgery. However, once the anesthetic’s effect wears off, you should expect to experience some mild to moderate soreness. You can minimize or eliminate this discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medications or other pharmaceuticals prescribed by your dentist. Additionally, you may have some swelling and bruising after twenty-four hours. Within one week, most patients’ symptoms have entirely resolved. However, you should call your dentist if severe pain persists after two weeks.
What Causes Persistent Pain After Implant Surgery?
There are several possible causes of persistent pain after implant surgery, such as:
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Infection. Rarely is a post-operative infection attributed to bacterial contamination during the surgery. Instead, it is usually caused by poor dental hygiene. You will be given special instructions to minimize this occurrence. Follow these steps closely to ensure the best possible outcome.
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Loose implant. Your implant could be loose due to the failure of the implant to fuse with the surrounding bone. Smoking too soon after the procedure or eating hard, chewy foods before the implant heals properly can impede osseointegration.
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Nerve damage. Thanks to modern dental implant techniques, this is now exceedingly rare. Nerve damage usually results in a tingling or numb sensation of the soft tissues such as the lip or tongue.
What Is Peri-Implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is a gum infection that affects implants. It is similar to gum disease or periodontitis, which affects natural teeth. Like periodontitis, it is preventable with excellent oral hygiene. However, even in its early stages, it can cause discomfort, redness, and swelling. Early detection and treatment can help prevent the loss of your implant.
Schedule Appointment
Dental implants provide an excellent option for replacing some missing teeth for a natural appearance and improved ability to chew and speak clearly. Contact us at Trident Dental for a consultation to learn if this option is for you.