If you are contemplating undergoing dental implants but are concerned about having to endure teeth implant pain, then don’t worry because we’re here to tell you exactly what you can and should expect. So without further ado, let’s dive straight in and do exactly that…
Teeth implants pain during dental implant surgery
Even though it’s heavily documented that the surgical part of the treatment is pain-free, this is, without doubt, the phase of the process that everyone is anxious about. Understandably so given the fact that many patients are undergoing oral surgery for the first time. But are they right to worry?
The truth about dental implants surgery is a relatively short chairside procedure that is indeed designed to be pain-free. For complete comfort, each patient who undergoes dental implant surgery will remain awake but sedated. Typically, the latest in conscious sedation means that most patients don’t even remember being in the chair, let alone feeling any form of discomfort. So while we can say with some sort of conviction that dental implant surgery is as comfortable as it can be for patients, what about once the anaesthetic wears off? Should you be right to expect tooth implant pain? Get a consultation at your local dental clinic to find out the details.
Teeth implants pain – The first 24 hours
As the anaesthetic starts to wear off, you may feel a little tired. You might also feel some form of discomfort emanating from the implant site. This is normal and typically starts some 2-4 hours after dental implant surgery. The good news is that tooth implant pain at this point is part of the healing process and should easily be brought under control using over-the-counter painkillers which your dentist will prescribe. In addition, you may also notice a little blood. Again, this is no cause for alarm and is normal after dental implant surgery.
You should find that you have a piece of gauze in your mouth. This serves two purposes – to mop any blood from the implant site but also to ensure a blood clot forms. This is important and helps with the healing process. Book an appointment with a dentist that offers consultation to know about the aftercare instructions.
Teeth implant pains – 24-72 hours
By the third day, you may start to experience some slight swelling and/or bruising around the dental implant site. While not everyone will experience this, it will, for instance, vary from little or no swelling or bruising through to relatively substantial swelling and bruising for more complex cases, or cases where multiple dental implants are required. Just like during the first 24 hours, this is again normal and is nature’s way of getting you on the road to recovery fast.
Typically, any tooth implant pain or discomfort can usually be brought under control with a combination of pain killers and antibiotics. In addition, you may also want to use an ice pack alternating every 15 minutes for as long as you dare to bring out any bruising or swelling that might be lingering.
At no stage of the process should you feel unnecessarily uncomfortable. If you do have severe pain or excessive swelling, then it’s always best to contact your dentist right away because there may be a problem that needs further investigation.
Teeth implants pain – 4 -7 days
By the fourth day point, any bruising or swelling should peak. After this juncture, you should notice that it starts to dissipate. Again, this is all part of the healing process so you might want to continue taking pain relief and antibiotics when necessary but in addition, continue with any ice packs as and when needed.
From around day five, any discomfort you still have should also be eased. However, this may take longer if complex implant surgery or multiple teeth implants were required.
As the healing process kicks in and tooth implant pain lessens this is the time that you should try to resume normal activities. Do, however, limit rapid movement, strenuous exercise, and stooping or bending for a further week or so at least.
Teeth implants pain – One week and beyond
By the seventh or eighth day, you should by now be experiencing some pretty positive changes. Any initial tooth implant pain, or indeed any other signs that you underwent dental implant surgery including swelling, bruising, and bleeding should now have ceased. By this point, the healing process is well underway.
Depending on how you feel you might even want to undertake a little light exercise such as walking but do try to avoid any excessive movement such as running or heavy cardiovascular activity. By now, the healing process should also be such that you can try to introduce firmer foods into your diet as you see fit. Do still avoid things like toffee or particularly crunchy foods like crisp apples at this time as your newly placed dental implants might not be up to it just yet.
Finally, one month and beyond…
By now all your anxieties surrounding any dental implant surgery should be a dim and distant memory and instead, you should be well on the way to leading a normal healthy life with a great-looking smile.
You will, however, need to be a little careful because the healing process isn’t quite over. Any time between now and the 4-month point, the bone tissue surrounding your titanium implant will be trying to fuse together in a process known as osseointegration. This is vital and is what helps to create that strong standalone platform upon which to place a dental crown or bridge. You should feel no discomfort or pain during this stage and shouldn’t need to do anything except attend regular dental check-ups to see just how your implant site is progressing.
So there you have it, everything you need to know about teeth implants pain. If you are considering dental implants as an option, then don’t hesitate to contact a No Gaps Dental Clinic near you. We’ll take the time to answer all your questions and concerns so that you can make a fully informed dental decision. Call or book a consultation at your local dental clinic online today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.