Does The Dental Implant Healing Process Hurt?

Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth and restore a smile. However, the entire process can seem like a lot, especially when you consider the 3-6 month healing period that follows the surgery.

So it’s perfectly natural to wonder if getting dental implants hurts. Check out this short article to learn the definitive answer.

Does Implant Surgery Hurt?

Getting a dental implant won’t hurt at all, even if it is considered a major procedure, as the dentist needs to surgically insert a metal post into the jawbone.

That sounds scary, but remember that your mouth will be completely numb during the procedure, so you will not feel any pain. You might sense some pressure or hear strange sounds, but that’s about it. If you’re particularly anxious about it, there are some sedation options available to help you feel calm.

Does Healing From a Dental Implant Hurt? 

You likely won’t feel anything for a few hours after the surgery, as it can take some time for the local anesthetic to fully wear off.

Once it does, yes, you can expect some pain. How much is impossible to say since it depends on each person’s tolerance, but some claim the pain is less when compared to a tooth extraction. In most cases, patients can manage it well with over-the-counter pain medication like Ibuprofen.

Post-op pain will usually last for about a week, but it likely won’t have the same intensity throughout. Most patients experience a peak 2-3 days after the surgery, after which it will gradually get better.

The Benefits Outweigh the Pain

The amount of pain you may experience after implant surgery is minor, and you won’t even remember it once you get to experience all the benefits that these artificial teeth provide:

• Permanent tooth replacement: A dental implant will last a lifetime, and with the right care, its most vulnerable part, the dental crown, can last 15–20 years.

• Comfortable and natural: Dental implants feel, look, and act just like natural teeth. You can enjoy all your favorite foods and never refrain from smiling again.

• Long-term oral health support: Implants stimulate the jaw bone to prevent it from shrinking and keep the rest of your natural teeth from shifting over time. They contribute to a long-term, healthy smile.

• Easy maintenance: Regular brushing and flossing and routine dental visits are the main things you’ll need to do to care for a dental implant. They don’t require any special care since they will behave like a natural tooth once implanted.

Learn If Dental Implants Are Right for You

Come see our Baton Rouge dentist for a short oral health exam to discover if you’re a good candidate for dental implants or what other smile restoration options you can access. 

Request a visit to Stevens Dental online, or call us at (225) 291-2111 for more information.