How Painful Are Dental Implants : FAQs About Dental Implants

Dental implants can provide a long-lasting and reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. However, the process of getting dental implants isn’t always painless. We understand that it can be difficult to decide to get dental implants if you are worried about the associated pain. Many would ask, ‘how painful are dental implants?’ That’s why we want to talk about what you can expect from this procedure in terms of discomfort.

What are the different types of dental implants?

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

Endosteal: A highly popular dental implant is the screw-shaped titanium anchor inserted into your jawbone. These implants provide stability and reliable support for replacement teeth to be placed on top of them.
Subperiosteal: These dental implants are intelligently placed just beneath the gum but on, or even higher than, the jawbone. This sort of implant may be utilised in patients who do not possess satisfactory natural jawbones and cannot – or choose to avoid – undergo a procedure to fortify it.

The three phases of a dental implant include:

Placing the implant: Surgery may be required to insert the implant into the jaw, where it will then be covered by gum tissue and left in place for three to six months so that it can become integrated with the jawbone.
Attaching the post: The dentist secures a post (abutment) to the implant, allowing for the gum tissue to develop around it. Depending on the case, this process can be done in one step or two, but regardless, both components work together to anchor your artificial tooth.
Crown attachment: The dentist custom-fits a crown, crafted to resemble a tooth, onto the implant post.

Why do people choose dental implants?

The advantages include the following:

Dental implants play a critical role in protecting the jawbone against deterioration that occurs from missing teeth.
Dental implants are an ideal solution for advancing the appearance of your smile and increasing your oral well-being.
Unlike dentures, dental implants offer a more realistic tooth replacement solution as they are implanted directly into the jaw bone.
With teeth that look and feel as if they are real, patients can eat all of the foods they love with total ease. These custom-crafted implants appear natural, and their sturdiness allows them to last longer than traditional dental products.
Dental implants last a lifetime with proper hygiene.
Dental implants rarely fail and have an average success rate of 95 to 98 percent.

Dental implant pain

Aside from the known fact that they are expensive, it’s no secret that dental implant placement can be painful. The sensation of discomfort might range from mild tenderness in your jaw to sharp pain, depending on the individual case. That is why you need to connect with your dentist before starting the process and airing out any issues or worries about how much pain you anticipate experiencing.

Following the surgical placement of your implant, there may be some residual discomfort around your mouth that subsides within 7-10 days as it continues to heal. To ensure optimum restoration and healing, carefully adhere to all instructions provided by your dentist, including taking any prescribed medications and abstaining from certain activities, such as chewing gum or hard foods which could aggravate the jawbone or gums.

Causes of throbbing pain after the dental implant procedure

It is not common to suffer from prolonged throbbing pain after a dental implant procedure. You may experience sharper discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off, but this can be managed with medications and time.

Following the procedure, you may experience an adverse reaction resulting in increased discomfort. If this does occur, it is essential to speak with your oral surgeon or dentist as soon as possible.

Incision line opening

One of the most typical disturbances post-implant is when the flesh adjacent to the rod reopens after the operation. This can be especially inconvenient and discouraging.

Should the incision open, you may experience soreness or inflammation. To prevent infection and ease discomfort, your surgeon might recommend rinsing with a chlorhexidine rinse several times daily or taking antibiotics. If this does not relieve pain, further medical attention is likely necessary.

Improperly fitted implant

If you experience any pain or discomfort, it may be an indicator that the implant isn’t properly bonding to your bones. In this case, the implant must be removed and possibly reattached at a later date.

Infection

When bacteria infiltrates the surgically-treated tissue, it hinders its ability to heal. This results in either a reopened wound or an incomplete healing process. This is the number one risk factor or complication that dentists fear if a patient opts to get them abroad.

Other signs of dental implant complications

In addition to pain, keep an eye out for other symptoms which could be a sign of post-procedure complications. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your oral surgeon or dentist immediately if you experience:

fever
throwing up or nausea
worsening swelling
continued excessive bleeding a few hours after the procedure

What to do if you have dental implant pain after two weeks

If the pain continues for over two weeks or even intensifies, you should definitely contact your oral surgeon or dentist. After a dental procedure, it’s not normal to have lingering pain of this duration.

Risks of Getting Dental Implants

In addition to physical pain, there are also risks associated with dental implants that should be taken into consideration when making this decision. These include infection in the bone or gums surrounding the implant, nerve damage that can lead to discomfort or numbness in the implant area, changes in bite alignment caused by the implant’s presence, and possible sinus issues if the dental implants are placed too close to a person’s sinuses. There is also a lingering fear of getting complications post-op when you have them overseas. It is important for anyone considering this procedure to carefully weigh all potential benefits against these risks before agreeing to have them installed.

Overall, while there are some risks associated with dental implants, they continue to provide numerous benefits, such as improved self-confidence through an enhanced smile and better overall oral health by preventing adjacent teeth from shifting due to gaps created by missing teeth; these benefits often outweigh any temporary discomfort experienced after implant placement or during recovery time afterwards.

How to reduce pain and discomfort after dental implants?

To optimise healing and minimise any discomfort after dental implant surgery, employ the following proven methods:

Observing all post-operative instructions the dentist gives after any procedure is essential. Such instructions may involve taking over-the-counter pain relief medications like Advil or Tylenol as recommended and even prophylactic antibiotics if prescribed.
By frequently rinsing gently with a warm saltwater solution, you can kill harmful germs and help the healing process.
Averting from eating hot, crunchy, or spicy dishes for the initial ten days may prevent infection.
Good oral hygiene is recommended and imperative for maintaining a healthy mouth and body.
It is essential to be gentle when brushing near implant sites to prevent any infection from occurring due to trauma.
Applying cold compresses as instructed can help to alleviate the pain and reduce discomfort.
Make sure to attend your dental appointments as scheduled.

If you’d like to learn more about the potential pain of dental implants for yourself, or if you want additional information about your choices, reach out to us now!