Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

Fear of pain can often be a serious deterrent for patients when taking care of their teeth. In fact, an estimated 36 percent of adults have dental anxiety, and around five percent avoid the dentist altogether because of it. If that sounds familiar, you may be curious about whether a smile-saving procedure like dental implants will hurt. Here’s what you can expect to feel during and after your dental implant surgery, and why most patients find that the results are well worth any discomfort along the way.

What Does Dental Implant Surgery Feel Like?

Getting dental implant surgery shouldn’t feel like anything at all. That’s because before any work begins, your dentist will completely numb the treatment area or areas. Once you are comfortable, they will insert the implant posts, and you will be able to return home to rest. The numbing will wear off within a few hours, and you will then be advised to take prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers. You can also apply cold or warm compresses to your face over your surgical sites to ease the pain and reduce swelling.

Thankfully, the jaw does not have many nerve endings, and most patients say the soreness from this procedure goes away within about a week. If it does not, reach out to your dentist for help.

Can You Feel Dental Implants?

Once the mouth has healed and your new dental implants are fully functional, many people wonder if they can feel them in their jaw. The good news is that, no, just like your natural teeth you should not feel dental implants once they have completely healed. You should be able to use them to eat a full range of foods, including crunchy vegetables and tough proteins. Best of all, unlike dentures, they won’t cause irritation or sores from improper fit!

What Should I Do if My Dental Implant Starts to Hurt?

Although your dental implant itself will never hurt, if you notice pain around it, this could be a sign of immanent failure. If this happens, contact your dentist as soon as possible. There is a chance it can be saved with a salvage procedure. The discomfort could also be unrelated to the implant itself, and may be due to trapped food, a gum infection, or a canker sore. If the pain does not go away, your dentist can diagnose and treat the problem and restore your pain-free smile.

Remember, your dental implant surgery should never hurt because your dentist will ensure your mouth is numb before your procedure. Although healing will be accompanied by some discomfort, it is only temporary, and most patients find satisfactory relief with over the counter or prescribed pain medication. The great news is that once your smile has healed, you should be able to enjoy a healthy, beautiful, pain-free smile that lasts a lifetime!

About Dr. Sheng

Dr. Yuchen Sheng graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine on the prestigious Dean’s Scholarship. Following graduation, she has proudly continued to learn about the dental field by taking numerous courses through Spear Education. She is a current member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. To schedule an appointment for dental implants at Stratford Smiles, please visit our website or call us today at 203-375-3068.