Does Getting a Dental Implant Hurt?

Dental implants are the most sophisticated dental restoration solution available today. Implants look natural in the mouth and can help you improve your chewing ability, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of food and boost your self-confidence. But does getting a dental implant hurt? Please read our article in which we answer this question and give tips on how to minimize pain and discomfort after your dental implant surgery.

Does Getting a Dental Implant Hurt?

When discussing whether getting a dental implant hurts, it is essential to distinguish between the implant placement procedure itself and the recovery period that follows. Let’s examine both stages in more detail.

Does the Procedure of Implant Placement Hurt?

Nowadays, dental procedures are generally comfortable and painless for patients due to the use of modern anesthetics and sedation methods. Getting dental implants is not an exception. For many patients, a local anesthetic is sufficient to completely numb the surgical area and block unpleasant sensations or pain. Additionally, in most cases, your doctor can adjust the strength of the local anesthetic to suit your pain tolerance. 

Sedation options are available for patients who have a high tolerance to local anesthetics, severe dental anxiety, or those who find it challenging to remain in one position for the duration of the procedure. Additionally, your doctor may opt for sedation in cases where the dental implant placement procedure is complicated. Options of sedation used in dentistry include:

• Oral sedation—a pill taken some time before the procedure is a type of conscious sedation that helps patients feel relaxed and calm during the procedure. 
• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is also a type of conscious sedation that is administered via inhalation through a mask and helps you relax.
• IV (intravenous) sedation is the strongest type of conscious sedation that is administered via injection. With this type of sedation, you can fall asleep during the procedure. 
• General anesthesia is an unconscious sedation that is rarely used in dentistry unless the procedure is lengthy and complicated.

Will You Feel Pain During Recovery After Getting a Dental Implant?

In the majority of cases, patients do experience some pain and discomfort during their recovery after their dental implant surgery. You can expect to start feeling these sensations once the local anesthetic or sedation wears off. Other symptoms patients often experience after a dental implant surgery include:

• Minor bleeding in the first couple of hours after the procedure
• Swelling and bruising of the face in the first several days after the procedure

Pain and soreness can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Ibuprofen. However, you should not exceed the recommended daily dose when taking this medication. Swelling and bruising can be managed with cold compresses, which you can apply for 15 minutes at a time several times a day. Also, we recommend keeping your head elevated when you rest or sleep.

In addition, to make your recovery after getting dental implants smoother and avoid side effects, we recommend following these rules:

• Ensure that your mouth is clean at all times to prevent infection at the procedure site. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss every evening, being gentle when cleaning around your new dental implants. Also, use saltwater rinses after meals, but avoid forcefully swishing the water in your mouth. 
• Avoid sports or any other strenuous activities for a couple of weeks after the surgery to prevent bleeding. Potentially damaging activities include prolonged walking, bending your head down, or lifting heavy bags.
• Abstain from smoking and alcohol for the duration of your recovery because both smoking and drinking significantly slow down healing.
• Switch to a liquid diet (such as smoothies, broth, or pureed soups) for the first couple of days after surgery. After that, follow a soft diet (for example, boiled vegetables, soft rice, mashed potatoes, and soft cutlets) for the next 7 to 10 days. Avoid foods that are crunchy, hard, or sticky.
• Ensure your nutrition is adequate during your recovery. Prioritize foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein to support your body’s natural regeneration process. 
• Ensure that you take the medication your doctor prescribes according to the schedule. 

Get Reliable Dental Implants at Chino Aesthetic Dental

To get safe and side-effect-free dental implant surgery, it is crucial to find an experienced and reliable dentist. At Chino Aesthetic Dental Office, we utilize high-quality materials and modern techniques to provide our patients with long-lasting dental implants. We are looking forward to your visit.