Today’s question: Do dental implants hurt?
The idea of undergoing a surgical procedure can be daunting, often conjuring thoughts of pain and discomfort. But we’ve got good news for you: When it comes to dental implants, this procedure is usually straightforward, and most patients describe it as more comfortable than they expected. Discomfort, if any, is usually temporary and can be effectively managed with over-the-counter medication.
“How?” You may be asking. Well, dentistry has come a long way in the past few years, leading to less invasive and safer dental implant procedures. With a success rate of approximately 95%, dental implants have become a reliable and secure option for tooth replacement, provided you choose a qualified Implantologist and avoid seeking treatment abroad.
Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the pain during the procedure, while improved tools and techniques minimise trauma to the implant site, making the treatment less invasive. Moreover, this procedure is conducted in multiple stages, allowing your mouth to heal between each step, which reduces discomfort. This all helps to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible during treatment and can enjoy your lovely new smile.
If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants, understanding potential discomfort, and what to expect during your implant journey, continue reading this blog post.
A Closer Look at Dental Implants:
So let’s take a closer look at the mechanics of a dental implant. Dental implants are a cutting-edge tooth replacement solution that offers a natural-looking and long-term alternative to a real tooth. Unlike dentures, dental implants are securely anchored into the jawbone using a biocompatible titanium screw that mimics a tooth root. This creates a sturdy and stable foundation for loading a replacement tooth on top, whether that be a crown or denture. For some patients, a bridge may be an alternative, and we’ll talk through both options with you.
Dental implants have gained their fair share of popularity as a durable and long-term solution to tooth loss, and we love transforming our patients’ smiles with them.
What to Expect: The Implant Procedure
The dental implant process unfolds in several stages, each with its own level of comfort. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect:
- Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with an initial consultation with one of our experienced team members. Nothing scary – we’ll assess your oral health, review your medical history, perform necessary x-rays and discuss your treatment plan. This stage involves no treatment and focuses on gathering information to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure. It’s also an excellent opportunity for you to ask us any questions you may have so that we can address your concerns.
- Implant Placement: The surgical procedure is performed under local anaesthesia for your comfort. While you may feel some pressure and hear sounds during the procedure, you shouldn’t feel pain, as the area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic. We’ll make a small incision in your gum to secure the titanium screw into your jawbone. Afterward, we’ll carefully suture the incision, and you’ll be ready to head home. This marks the completion of the surgical phase of the procedure.
- Healing Period: After the implant is placed, there is a healing period that lasts several months. During this time, the implant fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This is when you’re most likely to experience some mild discomfort, swelling or bruising, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and prescribed medications if necessary.
- Abutment and Crown Placement: Once the implant has fully integrated, we will attach an abutment (connector) to the implant, and place a custom-made crown or denture on top. This step is typically less uncomfortable than the initial surgery.
Managing Discomfort
Although some discomfort is normal during the dental implant process, it is typically manageable. Should you experience significant pain, it’s important to contact us straight away. We will invite you to the practice to examine the implant site and provide you with the most appropriate treatment guidance from there.
Here are some tips for handling any pain or discomfort:
- Follow Post-Operative Instructions: We will provide you with specific post-operative instructions. Following these guidelines will help minimise discomfort and ensure a smooth recovery.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Always follow our recommendations for medication.
- Rest and Ice: Resting and applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Soft Diet: During the healing period, stick to a soft diet to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the implant site.
If You’re Nervous About Implant Treatment
It’s completely normal to feel anxious about implant surgery, and telling us early helps us plan around it. We’ll explain every step before we start, agree a signal you can use if you need a break, and make sure the area is fully numb before any work begins. Your suitability is also checked carefully beforehand: we look at the amount of bone in your jaw, the health of your gums, and factors such as smoking or certain medical conditions that can affect healing. Planning properly at this stage is what keeps the procedure itself as straightforward and comfortable as possible.
“Turkey Teeth” and Medical Tourism:
Be cautious of “Turkey Teeth”, a term used to describe aesthetic dental treatments hastily-done overseas in countries like Turkey. Genuine implant treatment is far from a quick fix; it requires months of healing before loading a crown on top. So, to avoid complications or implant failure, always consult a qualified Implantologist and refrain from seeking treatment abroad in hopes of saving money.
Qualified dentists in the UK must adhere to the same GDC guidelines and legislation, so we won’t subject you to invasive treatments or compromise your natural smile for the sake of aesthetics.
Dr Nishma Kerai is our qualified Implantologist at St Peter’s Lodge in St Albans, who after graduating from the University of Liverpool in 2006, completed a one-year certificate course in Implantology from the Tatum Institute in Birmingham. She has also gained further experience through her work at the London Dental Studio, Victoria.
Remember: The NHS does not cover corrective treatment for Turkey teeth if things go wrong. You will end up paying much more to fix your smile than if you had visited a registered practice at home in the first place. That is, if you can find a UK dentist that will agree to help…
Many UK dentists will be reluctant to fix Turkey teeth due to the complexity involved. This could leave you in a lot of pain and with subpar results. Therefore, it’s always advisable to seek treatment from a qualified Implantologist from the very beginning.
Recovery day by day: what is normal and when to call us
Most people find the first day the most uncomfortable, once the local anaesthetic wears off. Some aching, mild swelling and a little bleeding are normal. Swelling often peaks around the second or third day and then settles.
Over-the-counter painkillers, a cold compress on the cheek, soft foods and avoiding hot drinks and smoking all help. Most people are back to their usual routine within a few days, although the implant itself takes several months to fuse with the bone.
Call us if pain is getting worse rather than better after the third day, if bleeding does not stop with gentle pressure, if swelling spreads or you develop a fever, or if the implant feels loose. These problems are not common, but they should always be checked. Find out more about treatment on our dental implants page.
Conclusion
So, do dental implants hurt?
While dental implant treatment may involve some discomfort, it is generally well-tolerated by our patients. The long-term benefits of dental implants in terms of improved oral health, functionality and aesthetics make them a worthwhile investment, so long as you go to a credible dentist.
Remember that the discomfort is temporary, but the benefits of a beautiful, functional smile can last a lifetime. Get in touch with us today at 01727 853160 to book your consultation and start the process. You can also view our fees online.
We look forward to working with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pain last after a dental implant?
Most patients have some soreness and swelling for a few days, which is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Discomfort that worsens after several days should be checked by your dentist.
Is implant surgery done under local anaesthetic?
Yes. The area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic, so you’ll feel pressure but shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure.
Can I have an implant if I smoke?
Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of an implant failing, so we’ll discuss this with you at your assessment and advise on the best approach.
How long does the whole implant process take?
Usually several months, because the implant needs time to fuse with the jawbone before the final crown is fitted. Your treatment plan will include an estimated timeline.
