Are Dental Implants Painful? Everything You Need To Know!

If you’re thinking about getting dental implants in Elroy, WI, you may be wondering what the process is like. Are dental implants painful? How long will your discomfort last? What can you expect as you heal? In this blog from Wojtowicz Dental, we’ll answer all of these questions and more. Let’s get into the details!

How Long Do Patients Have Discomfort After Dental Implant Surgery?

Immediately after treatment, your implant site won’t hurt, since it will be numbed by our dentist in Elroy before she places your dental implant. However, once your numbing wears off, you can expect to feel some pain in the surgical site.

Usually, the pain from implant surgery lasts for 1-2 days. Then, it begins to taper off, and you will feel much less discomfort. Some patients may experience minor pain for up to 6-10 days. If Dr. Emily prescribes painkillers, fill your prescription and take them as directed. Otherwise, you can take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen and ice the cheek near your surgical site to help with pain.

What Are The Different Types Of Dental Implants?

There are three primary types of dental implants. The right type of implant depends on how many teeth you’re missing, your oral health, your budget, and lots of other factors. Here’s a quick overview of each type of implant:

• Single-tooth implants – Single-tooth implants use one metal implant. This is surgically placed into your gums and jaw bone, and functions as an artificial tooth root. Then, a custom-built ceramic dental crown is built. This looks and feels just like a real tooth, and is permanently attached to the implant to restore your smile.
• Implant-supported bridges – Implant-supported bridges use two dental implants. Once these implants have healed, a dental bridge will be built and attached to the implants. This bridge may have two, three, or more false teeth. Implant-supported bridges are the best option for restoring your smile if you have multiple missing teeth in a row.
• Implant-supported dentures – Implant-supported dentures use a series of 4-6 implants. These are placed into the upper, lower, or both arches of the teeth. They are only recommended if you have lost most or all of your teeth. This is because they require the extraction of any remaining teeth, even if they're healthy.

What Patients Should Expect During The Healing Process

You’ll feel the most pain and discomfort for a few days after your surgery. You’ll also need to avoid using straws, spitting forcefully, and brushing your implant site during this time. You should also eat a diet of soft foods and avoid heavy exercise and exertion. This will help prevent pain, bleeding, and irritation. 

After about three days, you should feel much less pain, and your implant site should not be bleeding. You should continue eating soft foods, but you can start brushing the implant site gently. After about a week, you can start eating firmer foods, and you should be feeling almost no pain or discomfort.

If you’ve only had a single implant, you will usually be fully recovered within two weeks. However, recovery may take a bit longer for patients who get multiple implants, implant-supported bridges or implant-supported dentures.

Are You Interested In Dental Implants In Elroy, WI? Contact Us Today!

Dr. Emily is an implant specialist. At Wojtowicz Dental, we can help you restore your teeth permanently with dental implants, and smile proudly after tooth loss. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us online or give us a call at (608) 462-8282 to schedule an implant consultation with Dr. Emily. We’re always accepting new patients, so get in touch now!