Dental implants can transform your smile, but do dental implants hurt? It’s a fair question—nobody wants to suffer through unnecessary discomfort. The good news is that most patients say the process is much less painful than they expected. Let’s break down the dental implant pain, what to expect, and how to manage any pain along the way.
How Bad Do Dental Implants Hurt?
Pain is subjective. Some people feel more discomfort than others, but let’s see how much dental implants hurt by setting realistic expectations with a simple pain scale (1 to 10):
Pain During the Procedure (Pain Level: 1 to 2 out of 10)
The procedure itself usually doesn’t hurt. Dentists use local anesthesia to numb the area so you won’t feel anything sharp or painful. You might feel pressure, but that’s it. For anxious patients, some dentists also offer sedation. If you’re particularly nervous, sedation might be worth considering to keep you calm and comfortable.
Pain After the Procedure (Pain Level: 2 to 4 out of 10)
Most patients experience mild discomfort once the numbness wears off. It’s similar to having a tooth extraction. You might notice some swelling, bruising, or soreness around the surgical site.
For the first 24 to 48 hours, you’ll probably rate the pain around a 3 or 4 out of 10. It feels like a dull ache or throbbing, but nothing sharp or unbearable. Over-the-counter pain medication usually handles it well.
By the third or fourth day, the pain of dental implants Phoenix should drop to a 1 or 2. Many patients return to normal activities within a few days.
Do Dental Implant Screws Hurt?
No, you won’t feel the screws of dental implants hurt or cause pain. Once the screw integrates with your jawbone, it will feel like a natural tooth root. You won’t feel the screw inside your bone. The pain after a dental implant comes from the healing tissues around the surgical site. Your gums might feel tender as they heal, but the screw doesn’t cause ongoing pain.
How to Relieve Pain from Dental Implants
Dental implant pain relief is straightforward if you follow your dentist’s advice. Here’s how to manage discomfort if your dental implants hurt both immediately after the procedure and in the days following:
Immediately After the Procedure
- Your dentist may prescribe pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Take the meds as directed to stay ahead of the pain.
- Apply ice packs. They can reduce swelling and numb the area. Use a cold compress on your cheek for 15 minutes at a time.
- Rest and avoid extreme activities for at least 24 hours. Resting helps your body heal faster.
A Few Days After the Procedure
- Stick to eating soft drinks and foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. Avoid anything crunchy or chewy.
- After 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water. It reduces swelling and prevents infection.
- Use a soft toothbrush to keep the area clean and avoid irritating the surgical site.
- Follow your dentist’s cleaning instructions carefully.
$12,900! $6,900!
- Complete Oral Evaluation
- Cone-Beam CT Scan
- 2 Implants per arch
- Implant Retained Overdenture
$17,900! $11,900!
- IV Sedation
- All extraction
- 4 Implants per arch
- Bone Graft
- Same Day Teeth
Get Your Complementary Dental Implant Exam
(Valued at $495)
Factors Affecting Pain Levels and Recovery
Several factors influence how much dental implants hurt and how quickly you recover. Let’s break down the main ones.
- Number of Artificial Teeth: More artificial teeth usually mean more soreness. Placing one is less invasive than placing several at once.
- Bone Quality: If you have a strong, healthy jaw bone, the procedure is usually quicker and less painful. Patients who need a bone graft may experience more post-surgery soreness.
- Your Pain Tolerance: Some people feel every little ache, while others barely notice.
- Overall Health: Your general health affects healing. Patients with diabetes or immune system issues may take longer to heal and experience more discomfort.
- Smoking: Smoking slows healing and increases the risk of complications. If you smoke, expect a longer recovery and possibly more pain.
How Long Does the Pain Last After a Dental Implant?
Most patients feel some discomfort for the first few days after their dental implants. The worst pain usually happens within the first 48 hours. By day three or four, most people feel much better.
Here’s a rough timeline:
- In the first 24 to 48 hours, you’ll likely feel mild to moderate pain, similar to a tooth extraction.
- After 3 to 5 days, your pain drops significantly. Swelling and bruising may still be present but should start to fade.
- After one week, you should feel almost normal. Some mild soreness may linger, but it’s manageable.
Note: If your pain persists beyond a week or gets worse instead of better, contact our dentists at (602) 246-0385. Your pan could be a sign of infection or another complication.
Causes of Throbbing Pain After a Dental Implant Procedure
Feeling a throbbing pain after a dental implant? Here are some possible causes:
- Infection and bacteria can cause swelling and pain.
- If the implant shifts or moves, it can irritate the surrounding tissues.
- In rare cases, the screw may press on a nerve.
- Biting too hard or chewing on the surgical site too soon can cause discomfort.
Note: If you experience throbbing pain, apply ice, take pain medication, and contact your dentist for advice.
What to Do If You Have Pain Months or Years After a Dental Implant?
Pain long after your surgery isn’t normal. It could indicate:
- Peri-implantitis which is a type of gum disease.
- Although rare, the implant may not fully integrate with your bone.
- Persistent pain may suggest nerve damage.
Note: If you notice pain months or even years after your surgery, contact the best dental clinic near you. We’ll examine the surgical site and determine the cause.
FAQs
No. Discomfort is temporary and should resolve within a few days to a week.
Yes, mild discomfort is common after surgery. It usually peaks within the first 48 hours.
They shouldn’t hurt in cold weather. If you feel sensitivity, it may be a sign of an issue. Contact your dentist.
Long-term pain is not normal. If you experience ongoing discomfort, see your dentist to rule out complications.
