Are Dental Implants Painful? What You Need to Know About Pain and Recovery

The use of dental implants as tooth replacement continues to increase due to the fact that they offer permanent solutions with natural looks that are better than dentures and bridges. Most people shy away from dental implants due to the fear of feeling pain.  This blog provides complete information about dental implants near you, pain levels, and recovery steps, along with tips to maximize your comfort during the procedure.

Does Getting a Dental Implant Hurt?

A local anesthetic will be administered by the dentist to completely numb the area where the implant is placed; therefore, there should not be any pain associated with the placement of the implant. In case someone is very anxious about the procedure, they may opt for sedation to keep them relaxed throughout. 

After the anesthesia wears off, the patient may feel some dull achiness, mild swelling, and soreness, which is part of the healing and lasts for a few days. Most patients will find that the pain can be comfortably managed with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen.

Pain Levels During the Healing Process

After the procedure, you will experience some discomfort at the implant site. Here is what to expect when recovering:

• First 24 Hours: Bleeding and swelling are mild and usual. Your dentist will give advice on how to manage these.
• First Few Days: There may be some discomfort, swelling, and slight bruising. Healing can be aided by eating soft foods and not drinking hot beverages.
• One Week Later: Swelling and discomfort should both have diminished. Any discomfort left should be controllable with painkillers.
• After Two Weeks: Most of the patients are feeling totally normal again, although the implant is still healing under the skin.

How to Manage Pain and Speed Up Recovery

Several steps exist to achieve a comfortable recovery process after dental implant procedures in your local area.

1. Use pain medication that your dentist prescribed or bought over-the-counter according to their instructions.
2. You should use ice packs on the affected area to minimize swelling during the initial 24-hour period.
3. Your diet during the first few days should consist of soft foods, including yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup.
4. The healing process becomes slower when you use tobacco products and consume alcohol.
5. Your dentist will provide instructions for oral hygiene, which you must follow to maintain cleanliness in your mouth.
6. Rest well and stay away from heavy physical exercise during the initial few days.

The listed procedures will reduce your discomfort while speeding up your healing process.

Long-Term Comfort and Benefits

Once your mouth has fully healed, you should not feel any pain or discomfort from the implant. In fact, the benefits of dental implants make the short-term discomfort worth it. Some of the advantages include:

• A natural look and feel
  
• Improved ability to chew and speak
  
• Long-lasting results, often lasting decades
  
• Prevention of bone loss in the jaw
  
• No need for messy adhesives like with dentures
  

Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants are permanently fixed in place, making them more convenient and comfortable in the long run.

Are Dental Implants More Painful Than Other Dental Procedures?

Many patients compare dental implant surgery to a tooth extraction in terms of discomfort. While the healing process may take longer, most patients find it manageable. In fact, those who have undergone the procedure often say that the pain is much less than they expected.

If you have ever had a filling, root canal, or extraction, you can expect similar or even less discomfort with a dental implant. The key difference is that the healing process takes longer, but most patients find it to be a smooth experience with proper aftercare.

Why Choose River Road Dental for Your Dental Implants?

At River Road Dental, our team of experienced dentists in Richmond, BC, is dedicated to providing comfortable and successful dental implant procedures. We use the latest technology and personalized care to ensure a smooth experience for our patients. If you’re ready to restore your smile, contact us today to learn more about your options!