It’s normal to experience some discomfort in the area surrounding your dental implant surgery. This guide provides tips for those considering dental implants and those who have already undergone the procedure on how to deal with discomfort and when it is necessary to seek help from a dentist.
What are the causes of throbbing pain after the implant procedure?
A dental implant procedure rarely causes throbbing pain for extended periods of time. The pain you experience after the procedure may feel stronger a few hours later as the anaesthesia fades, but it should eventually go away with medication and time.
Here are some causes of throbbing pain after dental implant surgery.
Infection
An infection occurs when bacteria enter the surgically impacted tissue and prevent it from healing. The wound site may reopen or fail to heal.
Incision reopening
Incision reopening is a common complication following a tooth implant procedure. The incision is typically closed with absorbable stitches, which will gradually dissolve over the course of several weeks. The wound may reopen before the stitches have dissolved, though.
This can lead to bleeding and pain, which makes it hard to talk or eat. It is critical to see your dentist right away If the incision does reopen. They will clean the wound and then close it using non-dissolvable sutures.
What tooth implant pain to expect?
Because the area will be numbed during dental implant surgery, you likely won’t feel much pain. Each person reacts differently to surgery; however, feeling soreness or discomfort in your jaws and gums is not abnormal.
The procedure is generally comfortable for patients. Dental implant pain, if any is present, will eventually subside, and within 10 days, your mouth should feel like it did before surgery.
The swelling in and around your gums should decrease within a week. Slight bleeding from your gums is to be expected. Patients having a single tooth implant will experience less pain than those undergoing an all-on-four procedure for multiple tooth implants.
How to manage dental implant pain?
In order to combat discomfort or pain around your tooth implants, your dentist may give you a prescription for medication. Carefully follow the dosage instructions to avoid any complications. Additionally, do not consume alcohol or operate heavy machinery while under the influence of pain medication.
You can also take over-the-counter pain medications to relieve any discomfort. There are several ways to make eating more comfortable after dental implants. Eating warm, cool, and soft foods can all help. Some patients prefer liquid options like soup or smoothies.
How to manage swelling from dental implants?
Ice or a cold compress can help to minimise the inflammation around your dental implants. This is most effective when done within the first 24 hours after surgery. Put the ice pack on for 20-30 minutes, then take it off for 20-30 minutes. Repeat this process as many times as needed.
Remaining upright on the first day post-surgery can help decrease swelling. After you have surgery, avoid laying down flat on your back. Sleep with your head elevated on the first night by propping up extra pillows.
How to manage post-surgery nausea?
Nausea is a common side-effect of anaesthesia or pain medication. After surgery, you can take anti-emetic drugs to reduce the feeling of nausea. Some patients find that smelling rubbing alcohol helps them feel better.
To lower your chances of feeling sick from pain medications, don’t take them on an empty stomach or switch to a less strong, over-the-counter drug.
When should you see your dentist about tooth implant pain?
Your symptoms, such as discomfort, bleeding, and swelling, should recede with time. If your pain worsens over time, does not respond to over-the-counter medication, or continues after ten days, please reach out to your dentist. These could be signs that you have developed an infection.
What steps to take to heal after surgery?
By taking the necessary steps to heal after a dental implant, you can minimise the amount of time you experience tooth implant pain. You can help your mouth heal faster by following your dentist’s instructions.
For the initial day post dental implant surgery, abstain from brushing your teeth. After 24 hours have passed, brush your teeth softly, but take care near your dental implant to not disturb the healing gums surrounding it.
After eating, swirling some salt water around in your mouth for a quick rinse is an easy way to remove any food particles from your teeth and help ease the stress in that area.
Don’t smoke after getting tooth implants. Smoking not only heightens your tooth implant pain but can also jeopardise your oral health and prevent the natural healing process.
To decrease the likelihood of infection post-surgery, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and finish the entire dose as prescribed.
What are other common post-implant surgery problems?
Jaw stiffness is a common side effect after surgery, but it should go away within days. Exercising your jaw may help speed up the process.
You may experience dizziness or lightheadedness on the day of your implant surgery if you choose to undergo the procedure with general anaesthesia. You’ll need someone to help you for 24 hours after your surgery, and be mindful of how you stand up from a lying or seated position.
It’s normal for your gums to discolour from bruising, and the discolouration should go away quickly.
Get comfortable dental implants at No Gaps Dental
By practising good oral hygiene, you can protect your natural teeth as well as dental implants and decrease the likelihood of future implant-related pain. Also, you can prevent future dental problems by visiting our dentist twice a year and developing healthy eating habits.
No Gaps Dental is proud to offer a cutting-edge dental implant system that is both comfortable and quick. With our help, you can restore your smile and feel confident about your appearance once again. Book your appointment with No Gaps Dental or call us on (02) 8007 6727 today.
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
Is Your Dental Implant Pain Normal?
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/implants/is-your-dental-implant-pain-normal