How Painful Are Dental Implants?

On average, a patient may feel discomfort in the treated area,  face, and jaw for at least ten days. Patients may expect some swelling but the dentist may give antibiotics and painkillers to treat pain and swelling. Swelling and pain start to decrease from the third day after the procedure. 

Within 14 days, the patient may have no pain and the implant may finally be healing nicely. If the pain and swelling are still present on the 14th day, a patient may need to visit a dentist immediately as it may be a sign of infection. 

Titanium, the metal used to make implants, is proved to be highly compatible with the human body. Below are two main types of implants:

• Endosteal: These dental implants are placed in the jawbone. Typically made of titanium and shaped like small screws, they are the most commonly used type of implant.
• Subperiosteal: These dental implants are placed under the gum but on, or above, the jawbone. This type of implant may be used in patients who do not have enough healthy natural jawbones and cannot, or do not want to, undergo a bone augmentation procedure to rebuild it.”

The three phases of a dental implant include:

• Placing the implant: The patient may undergo surgery to have the implant placed in the jaw, where it is covered over with gum tissue and allowed to integrate into the jawbone for three to six months.
• Attaching the post: The dentist attaches a post (abutment) to the implant and the gum tissue grows up around it. In some cases, the implant and post are placed simultaneously. Whether or not they are placed at the same time, the combination implant and post serves as an anchor for the replacement tooth.
• Crown attachment: The dentist attaches a customized crown (that looks like a tooth) to the implant post.

The advantages of dental implants include:

• They help prevent jaw bone degradation that comes with tooth loss. 
• They are a great way to improve the smile and overall dental health. 
• Dental implants provide a more natural tooth replacement than dentures because they’re artificial teeth that are attached directly to the jawbone. 
• They give patients a set of teeth that look real and natural which is strong as well, allowing patients to enjoy favorite foods without any annoyances.
• Dental implants last a lifetime with proper hygiene
• Dental implants rarely fail and have an average success rate of 95 to 98 percent.

Below are a few common ways to reduce discomfort and maximize the healing process after dental implant:

• Strictly follow post-operation instructions recommended by the dentist after the procedure. Instructions may include taking pain medications like Advil or Tylenol as directed and also taking prophylactic antibiotics if prescribed
• Regularly rinsing gently with a warm saltwater solution may kill germs and promote healing
• Avoiding hot, spicy, or crunchy foods for the first 10 days may avoid infection
• Maintaining good oral hygiene is always recommended 
• Brushing gently near the implant sites may avoid any infection due to injury
• Using cold compresses as directed will help in controlling the pain
• Keep appointments with the dentist as directed.