Dental Implant Pain: What to Know ( plus pain management tips)

The dental implant process involves surgery so there is some incidental pain. That probably doesn’t surprise you. In fact, you may be a bit anxious about getting an implant because you anticipate it being a painful procedure.

Here’s what you should know about dental implant pain to have the most comfortable treatment possible.

How Much Pain to Expect with Dental Implants

When you get a dental implant, the dentist delicately carves out a small hole in the bone under your gums. The implant screw is then carefully inserted into this opening and it’s covered up with gum tissue to let it heal.

All of this might sound painful and it certainly could be. But you won’t actually feel a thing while all this is happening because your mouth will be totally numb at the site where the implant goes in. The dentist will administer an anaesthetic that keeps you comfortable for the procedure.

The implant procedure isn’t when you’ll feel dental implant pain. The discomfort usually sets in much later once the surgery is done and the anaesthesia wears off. With the right pain management steps, this discomfort will lessen and you’ll be left with a pain-free and strong dental implant that can last you for many years.

Here are tips that will help you manage your dental implant pain

1. Get plenty of rest. Your body needs rest in order to repair itself and reduce pain after an invasive surgery like dental implants. You may especially need the extra rest if you experience high levels of stress over your procedure. Don’t force yourself to work any sooner than necessary. Take time off from your usual workout routine or household chores since physical activity can raise blood pressure which interferes with healing.
2. Rinse with salt water. Swish with a mouthful of warm salt water as many times throughout the day as you’d like. This will cleanse your implant site, freshen your mouth and reduce pain and swelling.
3. Take a pain reliever. Your dentist may prescribe a strong pain reliever if you need it.
4. Try ice. Place an ice pack on the outside of your face against the place where your implant was inserted. This will help numb the pain and soothe any inflammation you may have.
5. Avoid chewing on the dental implant side of your mouth during recovery. If you accidentally bump your implant while chewing, it could hurt a lot. It may also start bleeding and have trouble healing.
6. Eat soft foods. A soft-foods-only diet for a few days will help you minimise the risk of bumping your implant while chewing harder foods. You may even find that cool soft foods like yoghurt and ice cream are soothing to sore gums that are in pain after getting a dental implant.
7. Follow your dentist’s instructions. Your dentist knows the best ways to reduce sensitivity and discomfort during the dental implant healing phase so follow the instructions you are given as best as you can.

Pain-Free Dental Implants and Gentle Dentistry in Sydney

Are you interested in dental implants? Schedule a visit with our team to learn more about the procedure and what we can do to make it as comfortable as possible for you. Call us today on (02) 9158 6353 to book your appointment.