Do Dental Implants Hurt?
Quick answer: do dental implants hurt?
You should not feel pain during implant surgery, because the area is numbed and sedation is an option. Afterward, mild to moderate soreness and some swelling are common, and they usually ease over the first few days. Studies suggest implant surgery is generally less unpleasant than a tooth extraction. Pain that keeps getting worse is a reason to call.
Numbing medicine is used, and you can ask about sedation options.
Soreness after surgery is usually mild to moderate and fades over the first days.
Most people feel like themselves within a week or so.
Bone fusing with the implant takes months, and your dentist will tell you what to expect during that time.
Fever, pus, a loose implant or worsening pain mean call the office.
If you are putting off a dental implant because you are afraid it will hurt, you are not alone. The short version is that the surgery itself is done with numbing medicine, and the soreness afterward is usually mild and short. This guide walks through what the sources say about pain during, after and weeks later. At Smyrna Dental Studio in Smyrna, GA, we are happy to talk through your worries before you decide anything.
Do dental implants hurt during the procedure?
You should not feel pain during implant surgery. Cleveland Clinic says anesthesia numbs the gums, and sedation is optional. You may still notice pressure or movement even when the area is numb. If you feel anything sharp, tell your dentist right away so they can numb you more.
What numbing and sedation mean for you
Numbing medicine blocks pain in the area being treated. If nerves are the main worry, ask about sedation options when you book. Our team can explain what is available for your visit. You can read more about dental implants at our office.
How the procedure is paced
The ADA describes implant treatment in three phases: placing the implant in the bone, letting the bone grow around it, and attaching the replacement tooth. The first phase is the surgery. The bone then needs months to fuse with the implant, and attaching the final tooth may take a short second procedure.
How much do dental implants hurt after surgery?
Soreness after implant surgery is usually mild to moderate and gets better over time. A medical review of several studies found that limits on daily activities were greatest on the first day and fell to about half by day two or three. Cleveland Clinic says you should feel like yourself within a week or so.
What a typical few days can look like
Slight discomfort and swelling are normal, says Cleveland Clinic. The ADA notes that soft, cold foods and warm soup may be recommended during healing. Your dentist will give you instructions that fit your case, so follow those first.
Pain relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with mild soreness, says Cleveland Clinic. Follow the product label, and ask your dentist or pharmacist what is safe for you, especially if you take other medicines.
Want this checked? If you are weighing an implant, a visit can walk you through what to expect. You can book online or call (770) 863-0005.
Do dental implants hurt more than a tooth extraction?
Usually not. A review in the International Journal of Dentistry concluded that implant placement is generally less unpleasant than tooth extraction, with less pain afterward and less effect on daily activities. The authors also say data on implant pain is limited, so your experience can differ.
Why the two can feel different
The review suggests that pain can depend on the situation, such as whether a tooth was inflamed before treatment. That explanation is the authors' interpretation, not a tested result. Our guide on which is worse, a tooth extraction or an implant looks at this question more closely.
What can make implant recovery more uncomfortable?
Some situations can raise pain and swelling. The same review says that placing several implants, rebuilding bone and attaching teeth right away can increase them. Tobacco can also slow healing, according to the ADA, so your dentist may ask you to avoid it.
If a bone graft is part of your plan
Cleveland Clinic says most people report little to no pain after a dental bone graft. Tenderness, swelling and bruising usually fade within a week or two. Small bone fragments may come out in the first few days, which is usually normal. Learn about how often bone grafts fail if that is your worry.
How long does the full healing take?
Cleveland Clinic says most people feel like themselves within about a week. The bone then needs roughly three to nine months to fuse with the implant. Our guide on how to prepare for dental implant surgery can help you plan.
When is pain after an implant not normal?
Call the office if pain keeps getting worse instead of easing, or if you notice other warning signs. Cleveland Clinic lists a loose or wobbly implant, bleeding gums, fever, pus around the implant and swollen gums. It adds swollen lymph nodes in the neck when they come with one of those other signs.
Signs to call about
Pain that grows instead of fading
An implant that feels loose
Fever
Pus near the implant
Bleeding or swollen gums
Call (770) 863-0005 and our team will help find the earliest visit available. For swelling with trouble breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or swelling that spreads to the eye, face or neck, go to the ER or call 911.
Frequently asked questions
How long does pain last after a dental implant?
Studies cited in a medical review tracked pain mostly for the first three days, when symptoms are expected. Cleveland Clinic says most people feel like themselves within a week or so. Healing varies, and the studies did not follow pain much longer. Call the office if pain is not improving.
Can I be asleep during implant surgery?
Cleveland Clinic says sedation is optional, and numbing medicine is used either way. Ask about sedation options when you book, and our team can explain what is available for your visit.
What can I eat after implant surgery?
The ADA says soft, cold foods and warm soup may be recommended while you heal. Your dentist will give you specific instructions, including what to avoid. Follow those over general advice, because your plan may differ from someone else's.
Does a bone graft with an implant make it hurt more?
It can add some soreness. The medical review says rebuilding bone can increase pain and swelling, while Cleveland Clinic says most people report little to no pain after a graft. Both can be true for different people. Ask your dentist what to expect for your case.
Is it normal to be nervous about implants?
Yes. Many people are. The review notes that knowing what pain to expect can reduce anxiety. Ask your dentist to walk you through each step before treatment, and ask about sedation options if that would help you feel calmer.
Talk through your worries at a consultation
Knowing what to expect takes a lot of fear out of dental implants. A consultation lets a dentist look at your mouth and explain your plan, including whether a bone graft might be part of it. Dr. Raheel Thobhani places dental implants at our office, and we welcome patients from Smyrna and nearby areas. You can book a consultation online or call (770) 863-0005. This is general information, not a diagnosis. A dentist needs to examine you to advise on your situation.