Dental implants are a common, routine tooth replacement procedure in Australia for anyone interested in restoring their natural smile after missing or damaged teeth. However, as with any dental surgery, fear of potential pain can leave many people with one key concern: “Do tooth implants hurt?”
If your worries are holding you back from pursuing treatment, you’re not alone. As trusted providers of dental implants in Sydney, our dentists can help you explore your implant options. Book a consultation today and discover what you can expect from every stage of your individual dental journey.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process and potential pain points of dental implant surgery, to help you understand what’s in store, and how to set yourself up for a smooth implant experience.
What are dental implants?
For anyone looking into tooth replacements that look, feel, and function just like their natural teeth, dental implants are a popular choice.
Dental implants basically act as an artificial tooth root, consisting of a titanium rod that’s implanted directly into your jawbone, and left to fuse with the surrounding bone tissue over a period of 3–6 months.
This base will support the two remaining components of an implant: the abutment, used to connect the post and replacement prosthesis, and a custom-made crown.
Types of dental implants
There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal.
Endosteal implants are the most common, consisting of a metal rod that is inserted directly into your jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. They’re generally used in patients with enough bone density to support the implant post, and single- or multi-tooth replacements.
Subperiosteal implants are smaller and sit above your jawbone but beneath the gumline. If you’re already experiencing bone resorption in your jaw and don’t want to undergo a bone graft, then your dentist may recommend a subperiosteal treatment route.
All dental implants have their own pros and cons, and your dentist can help you assess the right option for your case.
Symptoms will vary depending on the individual, but many patients will not experience any significant pain during either implant procedure. Mild discomfort in the next few days is to be expected.
Do dental implants hurt?
Many people are hesitant to get dental implants because they’re worried about the potential pain of implant surgery, and that’s understandable.
While exact pain levels will depend on the individual, many patients only experience minor discomfort during and after their procedure. Some studies even suggest that implant surgery may be less uncomfortable in the days following your surgery than a tooth extraction is, though this can vary from one person to the next.
Research also reveals that patient preparation can play a significant part in promoting a more positive experience before, during, and after implant surgery.
If you are curious on how dental implants work and what to expect from your procedure, you may be able to alleviate some of the anxieties surrounding it, and this can affect your post-procedure discomfort.
What is the procedure for dental implants?
Dental implant surgeries have been successfully carried out for over 30 years, and are widely considered to be one of the safest and most reliable dental procedures available, especially when performed by an experienced dentist.
Tooth implants are usually installed during outpatient surgery, completed in stages, with significant healing time between procedures. In general, the process involves:
- Removing the damaged tooth
- Preparing the jawbone, or grafting, when necessary
- Placing the dental implant (titanium screw)
- Allowing the bone to grow and heal around the implant
- Placing the abutment (or connecting piece)
- Placing the artificial tooth (or crown)
While drilling into the jawbone can sound intimidating, you will be offered anaesthetic to numb the surgical area, and there are no nerve endings in the jawbone to aggravate. You may, however, feel some pressure from the drill, and this is normal.
At No Gaps Dental, we can provide sedation with nitrous oxide as well as a local anaesthetic for your implant surgery. Inhalation sedation ensures that while you’re conscious for the duration of your procedure, you’ll be in a deep state of relaxation and won’t feel either the incision or drilling, beyond some slight pressure.
Following any dental implant procedure, you can typically expect to experience some mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising around the surgical site. This is temporary and easily managed for most patients, but you should always speak to your dentist for advice on your unique circumstances.
Recovery times are dependent on several factors, including a patient’s:
- Age
- Overall oral health
- Procedure complexity
- Current or planned medications
- Individual tolerances
Typically, soreness should peak and ease within 72 hours, with any remaining discomfort improving within 7 days, but you should always ask your dentist for personalised insights into what you can expect from your recovery.
Typical symptoms should never present as severe, persistent, or throbbing pain after implant surgery.
To learn more about your individual procedure plan, or how you can prepare for each stage of your implant journey, reach out to an experienced dentist for personalised advice today.
Preparing for dental implant surgery
Before you undergo any implant procedure, your dentist will first check that:
- You have enough bone present to hold and support the implant
- You do not have any underlying medical conditions that may prevent surgery
- Your current medications
- Your gum and oral health
You should ask every question that’s on your mind beforehand, too, to ensure you thoroughly understand your options and what lies ahead.
Some conditions may impact crucial factors like the health of your jawbone, your recovery time, or your risk of complications such as infection. Your dentist must be informed if you:
- Are over 60 years old
- Have osteoporosis
- Have cancer
- Have a bleeding gum disorder or gum disease
- Are diabetic
- Are a smoker (in any capacity)
Pre-operative instructions will depend on your chosen sedation and specific surgical requirements, and your dentist can provide you with the appropriate preparatory advice for your procedure.
When to contact your dentist after dental implant surgery
Your dentist should schedule a follow-up consultation after your surgery to assess your progress and recovery.
It’s important to note that osseointegration, the fusing of bone and implant, can look different for everyone and depends heavily on the complexity of your individual case. Patients who have multiple implants placed in a single procedure may experience more pronounced swelling and bruising around the surgical site than those who only receive one implant.
However, there are symptoms that should never be ignored. You should contact your dentist immediately if you experience:
- Excessive bleeding
- Severe and persistent discomfort
- Nausea
- Fever
Although many of these symptoms can often be attributed to infection, persistent or worsening pain after the first two weeks can sometimes be caused by other complications, such as:
- An incision line that has reopened
- An improperly fitted implant
- Nerve involvement
While you should use your follow-up consultation to address any concerns about an implant with your dentist, it is vital that you seek their advice as soon as possible if your symptoms have developed beyond minor discomfort.
Your dentist will be able to assess the incision site, identify the cause of your pain, and prescribe the appropriate treatment for your individual case. Often this care will consist of an antibiotic course to address an infection, but there are some cases where further investigation into the fit of the implant is necessary.
Take the next step with No Gaps Dental
When it comes to rejuvenating your smile with a full set of teeth, the fear of dental implant pain can often get in the way.
At No Gaps Dental, we know it doesn’t have to. While pain or discomfort levels depend on each unique case, many patients find that their discomfort is mild and short-lived, and surgery goes more quickly than they anticipated.
If you’re ready to discover your dental implant treatment options, or learn more about what to expect from the procedure, our experienced dentists can help to assess your suitability at one of our 18 convenient locations across Sydney.
Book an appointment today to get started.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.