How Painful Is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are a popular option for replacing missing or damaged teeth. The process involves surgically placing a metal post, or implant, into the jawbone, which serves as a secure anchor for a replacement tooth or bridge.

When getting a dental procedure, it is natural to wonder if it will be painful. Fortunately, dental implant procedures are often less painful and have a faster recovery time than a tooth extraction [1]. So how painful is a dental implant?

Dental Implants Cause Minimal Discomfort

Dental implant procedures typically involve minimal discomfort, with most patients experiencing little to no pain during or after the procedure.

Some patients may feel some pressure or sensitivity during the implant placement, but this usually subsides quickly. Additionally, most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few days of the procedure [2].

At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, we conduct careful presurgical planning so there are no surprises on the day of the appointment. In addition, we use anti-inflammatory medications at a precise time before the procedure is completed and before local anesthesia has worn off to ensure our patients are as pain-free as possible when getting dental implants. Even though we prescribe a strong pain medication, the predominance of our patients experience little discomfort and rarely need anything stronger than Advil ® (ibuprofren) plus Tylenol® which are timed in a specific manner to obtain the greatest affect. 

Sedation Dentistry Is an Option

Different patients may have different experiences with pain during and after a dental implant procedure. Factors that may affect the level of pain include the patient’s pain tolerance, the complexity of the procedure, and the patient’s aftercare routine.

We encourage our patients to opt for sedation dentistry during their dental implant placement, which will reduce anxiety and may even result in a lower level of perceived postoperative pain [3]. So, although dental implants only require local anesthesia, sedation dentistry is an option for patients who would like additional support to feel relaxed during their appointment.

As a result of our anti-inflammatory medications administered during the therapy as a part of our controlled pain management during the procedure, most patients are able to undergo a dental implant procedure with minimal discomfort and have a smooth recovery.

Pain Management During and After the Procedure

You will not feel pain during your dental implant placement because of local anesthesia. If you opt for sedation dentistry, you may remember some of your procedure with mild sedation. However, if you choose a deeper level of sedation (I.V. sedation), you may have little memory.

Whether or not sedation dentistry is used, our patients generally tolerate the procedure well and recover within a few days. After your dental implant placement, we prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medication as a precaution for the first few days to manage any discomfort or swelling.

After your dental implant procedure, you can expect some swelling, minor bleeding, and bruising at the surgical site. This discomfort can generally be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Most patients will have mild discomfort that peaks about 24 hours after the procedure but then will begin to subside [4].

Schedule a Consultation for Dental Implants Today

Dental implant procedures are a safe and effective way to replace missing or damaged teeth and typically involve minimal discomfort. Are you considering dental implants or an implant-supported bridge to restore your smile? If so, schedule a consultation with Elite Prosthetic Dentistry today to discuss your options.

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8424234/ 
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8538387/  
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24528789/ 
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8581909/