February 14, 2022
Introduction
One of the most reliable and long-lasting ways to replace missing teeth, Dental Implants have become a popular choice for those wanting to restore their teeth.
The Dental Implants surgery involves opening up the tissue in the mouth and drilling one or more titanium rods into the bone underneath the gums, providing a permanent root for a replacement false tooth.
It is a surgery and thus is inclined to cause at least some amount of pain and discomfort.
Most dental patients are worried about the level of pain they may experience after the surgery and how long it will last.
Many patients are nervous about getting a dental implant due to fear of the pain, which is quite natural.
Though the fear of pain is understandable, modern-day technologies and procedures have made a massive improvement in pain management.
Dental Implant Surgery- A Brief Overview
Dental Implants involve the removal of the tooth, insertion of an implant rod or a screw, and insertion of the replacement tooth. All these procedures are usually spaced far apart.
After the natural tooth is removed and before an implant is placed, the area is prepared with a bone graft, to encourage the production of new bone, which helps strengthen the jawbone and ensures the proper integration of the implant with the bone.
During dental implant surgery, a hole is drilled into the jawbone by the dental surgeon and a metal post is placed into this hole.
The metal post then works as an artificial tooth root. This post needs time to integrate into the jaw bone to allow the bone to grow through it.
The whole process which is essential for a healthy and stable implant may often take months.
The component to which the dental crown is attached is called an Abutment and it is usually not placed on the post until the integration is complete.
A minor surgery might sometimes be needed to place the abutment.
This may also cause some bleeding and swelling, but the pain from this surgery is quite less than the pain experienced after placing the metal post.
Does Dental Implant Surgery Hurt?
Dental Implant Surgery implies trauma to both the gums and the jaw and can cause some pain and discomfort like any other surgery.
However, every patient has different pain tolerance and reacts differently to the pain.
Modern techniques and advanced pain management can help one get a practically pain-free treatment.
The procedure of Dental Implant involves anaesthesia, so one shouldn’t feel any pain during dental implant surgery.
This includes local anaesthesia, and may sometimes include extra sedation or general anaesthesia to reduce both pain and anxiety.
The anaesthesia options are explained by the oral surgeon before the surgery.
In some cases, a certain type of anaesthesia may be needed to avoid the pain during the procedure, according to the unique needs of the patient.
The patients usually feel some level of pain as the numbness from anaesthesia wears off.
Pain medication is provided to help manage the discomfort at the implant site.
Also Read: Sedation Dentistry- Risks, Benefits and Recovery
Pain After a Dental Implant
Pain following a successful dental implant procedure is temporary and varies from person to person and for most patients, it is mild enough to be managed with over-the-counter pain medication for 1 or 2 days.
Normally, a single implant causes less pain and discomfort than multiple implant surgery.
Though it is possible that one can resume daily activities the day after the procedure, there may be some symptoms that one may experience after dental implant surgery which include:
- Bleeding
- Swelling around the gums and the face
- Minor bruising
- Jaw pain and stiffness
These symptoms and pain usually last up to 7 to 10 days or less after the procedure.
The dental surgeon provides some instructions to manage and reduce pain and for adequate post-surgery care, including:
- Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) pain killers
- avoiding certain foods, such as hard and hot foods
- Ice packs for reduction of swelling
- Complete rest on the day of the procedure and subsequent days, if possible, depending on how the person feels
- Instructions for the proper care of the surgical site
It is imperative to contact a dental professional immediately if excessive discomfort persists after 10 days as it may be a sign of the implant site becoming infected and the dental professional will need to act promptly to save the implant.
Causes of Throbbing Pain After the Dental Implant Procedure
Though Throbbing pain for an extended period of time after a dental implant procedure is rare, one may feel sharper pain a few hours after the procedure as the anaesthesia wears off, which goes away with pain medications and time.
However, in some cases, a complication may occur after the procedure causing additional pain.
One must be aware of the chance of such instances which need immediate reviewing by the oral surgeon or dentist.
Incision Line Opening
One of the most common complications following an implant procedure, Incision line opening happens when the tissue enclosing the rod reopens after surgery.
One may feel pain or irritation if the incision opens. One must rinse the mouth a few times per day with a chlorhexidine rinse or take an antibiotic to avoid infection.
However, if the pain doesn’t lessen, immediate medical attention may be needed.
Improperly Fitted Implant
Discomfort or pain may also be a sign of the implant not fusing to the bone correctly.
This may implicate the need for removal of the implant and possibly reattaching it later.
Infection
The bacteria can sometimes enter the surgically impacted tissue causing infection and preventing it from healing.
This may lead to the reopening of the wound site or its failure to heal.
Other Possible Dental Implant Complications
Any other symptoms besides pain may be a sign of post-procedure complications.
One must call an oral surgeon or dentist immediately if they experience:
- Fever or nausea
- Swelling that is getting worse
- Excessive or continuous bleeding even a few hours after the procedure
Takeaway
Temporary pain is perfectly normal when one gets Dental Implants but is treatable with medication and goes away with time.
However, the pain that lingers or worsens with time may be a sign of a complication.
One must call their doctor if the pain lasts for more than 5 days, or if they feel discomfort even 10 days after the procedure.
Every dental implant procedure is different based on the individual patient and a good dentist makes sure that the patient is aware of what to expect.
Adequate methods of Sedation Dentistry are suggested and employed if required, allowing patients to feel more relaxed.
The patients are free to choose moderate to minimal Sedation according to how they feel about the pain.
Pain and discomfort are remarkably reduced, and our efficient team monitors each patient during sedation.
Our motive is to leave our patients with a beautifully restored smile as they relax in the chair.
At Kirkland Premier Dentistry Dr Gaurav Sharma is committed to making a difference when it comes to the pain management associated with Dental Implant Surgery.
Dr Gaurav Sharma a dentist from Kirkland has 400+ hours of Continuing education from the prestigious AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry).
He applies the latest research & advances in dentistry to provide the best dental care to patients. Book an appointment with Kirkland Premier Dentistry, We are the dentist open on Saturday
