One of the key features of dental implants is that they fuse with your jawbone so that they can perform the same functions as natural tooth roots. But in order for this to happen, you’ll need to undergo surgery to have the implant posts placed in your jaw. Many people are nervous about having this procedure performed, but is it really that painful? Here’s what you can expect in terms of discomfort when getting dental implants.
Will You Experience Any Discomfort During Dental Implant Surgery?
Despite what you might think, there is typically little to no pain during dental implant placement. Before the surgery begins, your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic. As a result, you shouldn’t experience any discomfort during the procedure; you may feel some pressure from time to time, but it won’t actually hurt.
What About After the Surgery?
The numbness in your mouth will wear off some time after your surgery. Once this happens, you may notice some discomfort. However, it will typically be very mild; many patients report that it’s less painful than what they would experience after tooth extraction. Under normal circumstances, you can expect the discomfort to decrease after three days and to fade away altogether within two weeks.
If you’re experiencing severe pain after dental implant placement, it might be the result of an infection or another issue. You should get in touch with your implant specialist or dentist immediately to see what steps you need to take next.
How Can You Manage Discomfort After Dental Implant Placement?
In order to keep your discomfort under control after dental implant surgery, it’s recommended that you follow these steps:
- Avoid any kind of strenuous physical activity. Exercise and arduous work can increase your blood pressure and cause the surgical site to bleed. To stay comfortable and keep the healing process on track, you should plan on resting for at least a few days.
- Take any painkillers that you were prescribed. Make sure that you follow any instructions you were given regarding dosage.
- For the first couple of days after the surgery, apply a cold compress around the area for 15 minutes at a time. Not only will this help soothe your discomfort, but it will also help reduce swelling.
- Be gentle with your mouth by only eating soft foods. Mashed fruits, yogurt, and scrambled eggs are all good examples. Do not eat anything that is hard, spicy, or acidic.
In short, dental implant surgery won’t be nearly as uncomfortable as you might expect, and there are plenty of steps you can take to manage your pain while your mouth is healing. As such, there’s no need to let fear of discomfort stop you from using dental implants to rebuild your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Rob Madry has been helping people in Corpus Christi take better care of their smiles for more than two decades. He is currently a member of several professional organizations, including the Texas Dental Association and the Corpus Christi Dental Study Club. He’s partnered with local specialists so that his patients can enjoy the benefits of dental implants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Madry, visit his website or call (361) 991-7622.