Is It Painful to Get Dental Implants? 

Getting a dental implant can take anywhere between 6 and 15 months, depending on how many teeth you are missing and if you have other dental issues that need to be addressed first. 

If your Apex dentist determines you are a good candidate for dental implants, they will move forward with a treatment plan designed specifically for your needs. Depending on the state of your oral health, you may need additional treatment to prepare your mouth for dental implants. 

With so many potential procedures, your dental anxiety may be heightening. But not to worry! Read on to learn about the detail of these procedures and what you can expect in terms of “pain” during and after treatment. 

How Painful Is Dental Implant Surgery? 

To get an implant, the dentist will have to drill a hole through your gums and jaw and insert a metal post in your jawbone. While all this sounds intense, it's not the actual drilling that can cause pain, but soft tissue trauma. Moreover, you will be sedated, so it's very unlikely you will feel any pain. Most of our patients only report feeling a bit of pressure during the surgery and very little to no amount of pain. 

Things can be a bit different if you need additional treatment that requires tissue manipulation. If you also need a bone graft, for example, the pain level may increase slightly. 

Will I Feel Any Pain After the Surgery? 

You can expect to experience some pain and discomfort after the sedation wears off. The pain should be bearable and easily manageable with over-the-counter medication. You can also use some cold compresses to relieve any swelling. 

These symptoms will only last for about two to three days, after which you should notice a significant improvement in your symptoms. If the pain doesn't go away in about three days or if it seems that it's getting worse instead of better, then you should contact your dentist immediately. Throbbing pain could be a sign of implant failure. 

Tips for Managing Pain After Dental Implant Surgery 

• Rest. Your body needs time to heal so make sure to rest and take care of yourself for a few days. 
• Drink plenty of liquids to keep your body hydrated. 
• Eat only soft foods for a few days to avoid getting debris stuck in your implant site. 
• Keep good oral hygiene but avoid brushing the implant site for a few days. Gently rinse your mouth with salt water to remove any food debris. 
• Take pain medication to manage your discomfort. 

Have More Questions about Dental Implants? We're Here to Help You! 

Do you want to learn more about dental implants and would like to talk to a specialist? The team at Cardinal Family Dentistry can give you all the information you need. 

Contact us today to schedule your dental implants consultation!