If you’re considering dental implants but are worried about pain, you’re not alone—many patients suffer tooth loss but feel hesitant to restore their smiles since they don’t truly know what to expect. However, thanks to modern techniques, anesthesia, and post-op care, getting dental implants is a surprisingly comfortable process for most patients that sets them up for a lifetime of happy, healthy smiling. Here’s more about dental implant placement and how to minimize your discomfort and prevent complications during your journey.
What Happens During Dental Implant Placement?
The implant procedure is typically done in stages. After a patient’s mouth has been fully numbed (sedation is also often used), the dental implant posts can be surgically placed directly into the jawbone, at precise angles and locations. Anywhere from one to four or more posts can be used, depending on the circumstances. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly the procedure passes, as well as how manageable the aftercare period is.
Once the implants have been placed, osseointegration can occur over the next few months, which is the natural fusion between the implants and the jaw tissue. After things have healed up, a custom-made restoration is attached to the top of the implants to serve as your new functional teeth.
Does It Hurt to Get Dental Implants?
The short answer here is no, you shouldn’t have to deal with any significant pain during the whole dental implant process. It’s normal to experience some soreness, swelling, or minor bruising after the surgery, but these symptoms typically do not linger for very long. Thanks to the efforts made by your dental team, advancements in dental technology, and the use of sedation and numbing agents, you shouldn’t experience much (if any) outright pain during or after your dental implant procedure, despite anything you’ve heard through the grapevine or seen on fictional television.
Can I Make the Dental Implant Process More Comfortable?
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen are often enough to keep your discomfort at bay, but in some cases, you may be prescribed some medication to help with recovery. Some useful tips to keep in mind include:
- Sticking to soft foods and liquids for a few days after your surgery.
- Avoid smoking, tobacco, or drinking alcohol.
- Likewise, avoid using a drinking straw since the suction can disrupt the healing process.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek if you experience swelling.
- Getting plenty of rest—your body heals faster when it’s well-rested.
You’ll also be given detailed care instructions to follow, which include recommendations for rinsing and keeping your mouth clean. Most patients can return to their normal routine within a day or two, with full healing taking place over the following weeks and months.
About the Practice
Our team here at Elite Oral Surgery Associates has proudly served patients in Worcester and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of oral surgery services, including in-house dental implant placement—rebuilding your smile is a smooth process with our help! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (774) 220-7355.
