Understanding Dental Implant Pain and Aftercare Tips

Alberto Lambert

Dental implant pain is normal, considering the steps involved in the procedure. It is an invasive method that requires the screwing of the prosthetic tooth right into your jaw bone. Although anesthesia is administered before the dental implant procedure, implant pain can still occur after the anesthesia’s effects wear off. There are several ways to reduce the pain within the healing process to help you deal with the discomfort. You can take over-the-counter painkillers or try other non-conventional methods like a massage to alleviate pain.

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Dental implant pain is normal, considering the steps involved in the procedure. It is an invasive method that requires the screwing of the prosthetic tooth right into your jaw bone. Although anesthesia is administered before the dental implant procedure occurs, implant pain can still occur after the anesthesia’s effects wear off. But rest assured, there is no dental implant pain during the actual procedure. What you need to focus on is the implant pain after the procedure completes. There are several ways to reduce the pain within the healing process to help you deal with the discomfort. You can take over-the-counter painkillers or try other non-conventional methods like a massage to alleviate pain. Whichever method you choose, it’s entirely up to you. However, the best method is always your dentist’s recommendation. You can consult the dentists from Riverlands Dental in Richmond if you’re experiencing pain that you can’t handle.

 

Unlocking the Dental Implant Procedure

To better understand dental implant pain after the procedure, it is best to learn all the steps involved. A dental implant may sound and look scary, especially if you’ve seen the dental tools needed in the process. But it is actually quite painless. An ample amount of anesthesia is administered by your dentist before the process and sometimes combined with sedation to maximize your relaxation during the implant. So, the term implant pain only applies after the actual procedure is completed. With that line of thinking, the implant pain is considered normal and expected.

 

The Dental Implant Procedure: Defined

A dental implant is a restorative procedure recommended by your dentist if the tooth cannot be saved from extraction. Your dentist usually suggests this method after the initial diagnosis and examination. However, in some cases, other dental work has already been tried but to no avail. Your dentist’s initial step is always to save the tooth at all costs. Dental procedures such as dental fillings or root canal may be recommended first, but then extraction is more likely to occur if it doesn’t save the tooth.

Some individuals prefer not to have dental implants because of their misconception about the implant pain they could experience. It’s quite normal, and no one blames them for being scared. The idea of screwing a foreign object into your jaw bone is indeed scary. But with proper knowledge, they will understand the implant pain is expected, and tolerable.

 

Here’s a summary of the dental implant procedure:

  • Thorough mouth examination: This step tells your dentist the degree of the restoration process that needs to be done. This initial step includes x-rays and physical examination of your mouth.

 

  • Medical background and history check: The medical history check required so that your dentist can create the best treatment plan for you. Your dentist will have an idea if you’re allergic to certain drugs, determine your pain tolerance, and existing health conditions that may affect you with the process.

 

  • Treatment planning: This step includes the planning of the actual implant procedure, the amount of anesthesia or sedation needed, and aftercare treatment.

 

  • Removal of the damaged tooth: The affected tooth is extracted like the normal process.

 

  • Jaw bone grafting (if needed): If your jaw bone is not strong enough to hold the screw in place, jaw bone grafting might be performed first. Your doctor may suggest getting an artificial bone or take another tiny part from a different part of your body.

 

  • The abutment placement: The abutment is implanted first so that it can bond naturally to your jaw bone. Once the metal screws are implanted, the dentist will wait for the natural healing process.

 

  • Prosthetic tooth placement: When the bone and the implants have bonded successfully, the prosthetic tooth is added. The tooth is created to match your natural teeth’s colour. You can either choose a removal tooth, easy cleaning or opt to get a permanent type.

 

Things to Expect After the Procedure

By now, you must have a fair idea of the things to expect after the dental implant surgery. Implant pain is definitely going to kick in after the anesthesia’s numbing effects, but it’s something that you shouldn’t be worried about. Here are what to expect:

  • Swelling and redness on your face and gums
  • Some bruises on your gums and skin
  • Implant pain at the affected area
  • Minimal bleeding

 

Aftercare Methods

After the procedure, your dentist will provide you with proper aftercare treatment. To alleviate pain, prescription pain-relievers are recommended. Then antibiotics to boost the natural healing process. Afterwards, your dentist will set up another appointment to check the healing progress. So, we highly recommend that you never skip the follow-up checkup.

Avoid:

  • Smoking cigarette, vapes, or e-cigarettes
  • Drinking alcoholic drinks
  • Eating hard and crunchy food
  • Eating sticky and chewy food
  • Brush the site lightly (may dislodge or damage the prosthetic tooth)
  • Do not eat solid food within the first twenty-four hours following the surgery (may dislodge or damage the prosthetic tooth)
  • Eat soft foods within twenty-four to forty-eight hours
  • Di not floss near the site of the dental implant

 

Take Care of Your Oral Health

If you want to ensure the dental implant’s working life, please practice the right way to keep your oral health in pristine condition. Here’s how:

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Clean the surface of your teeth thoroughly
  • Do not brush rigorously
  • Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
  • Brush twice a day
  • Brush for at least two minutes each session
  • Gently floss at least once a day
  • Use a dental tongue cleaner to get rid of debris and bacteria on your tongue
  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash
  • Avoid food that is high on acid and sugar
  • Limit alcoholic beverage
  • Quit smoking

 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the dental implant procedure is complicated and invasive. That’s why we’d like you to understand that implant pain and discomfort are normal after the process. The pain naturally goes away within a few days, especially if you’re taking prescription meds. However, to avoid the risks of possible complications, we highly recommend that you visit your dentist if you experience pain after taking the medications.

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