Thinking about getting dental implants but wondering just how painful are dental implants? Fair question! The idea of having something surgically placed in your jaw might sound intense, but the reality? It’s not as bad as you think. Join Pacific Dental and let’s walk through the process step by step so you know what to expect.
What You Need to Know: How Painful are Dental Implants
The Procedure: Does It Hurt?
Surprisingly, the surgery itself isn’t painful. Why? You’ll be under local anesthesia, so your mouth will be completely numb. You won’t feel any pain, but you might feel some pressure. It’s kind of like when you get a cavity filled—the sound and sensation might be a little weird, but you won’t actually feel pain.
If you’re someone who gets anxious about dental work, many dentists offer sedation options, too. This can help you relax and stay calm during the procedure. Some people even doze off!
Post-Surgery: What About After?
Once the anesthesia wears off, that’s when you might feel some discomfort. Most people describe it as a mild ache, similar to having a tooth pulled. The good news is, this is usually pretty manageable. Over-the-counter pain meds like ibuprofen are usually all you need to feel better.
You might also experience some swelling or tenderness around the implant site. This is totally normal and should subside after a few days. Applying ice packs can help reduce the swelling.
The First 48 Hours: What to Expect
Ok, ok, you’re initial question may have been “how painful are dental implants?” but what about after? The first couple of days are when you’ll feel the most discomfort, but it’s not unbearable. The soreness is typically localized to the area where the implant was placed, and it tends to peak within the first 24-48 hours. After that, most people say the pain starts to fade away quickly.
During this time, you’ll want to stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, and yogurt—nothing too crunchy or hard. Also, avoid drinking through a straw, as the suction can affect healing.
Healing: Is There Long-Term Pain?
The healing process takes a few months, but the pain doesn’t last that long. In fact, after the first week, you’ll likely forget you even had the procedure. Your gums and jawbone will take time to fully fuse with the implant, but you shouldn’t experience any ongoing pain during this period.
If you do feel persistent pain after the first week, it’s a good idea to check in with your dentist. While rare, things like infection or improper implant placement can cause longer-term discomfort.
How Painful Are Dental Implants?
The bottom line? Dental implants aren’t as painful as you might think. The surgery itself is painless thanks to local anesthesia, and any post-surgery discomfort can usually be managed with medication and a bit of rest. Most people find that the short-term discomfort is well worth it when they see their brand-new smile.
If you’re still unsure, give Pacific Dental a call. We can walk you through the process and help you feel more comfortable about what to expect. In the end, dental implants are a long-term solution that’s worth a little short-term discomfort!