Today, dental implants are a popular solution for replacing missing teeth. After the procedure, it’s normal for some patients to experience mild pain for a short period. In certain cases, the pain may feel more intense or concerning. This is a natural part of the process, and the discomfort typically lessens over time.
So, how many days does pain last after a dental implant, and how can it be relieved?
Is Pain Normal After a Dental Implant?
Thanks to modern advancements in technology, pain during or after treatment has been significantly reduced. Still, it’s perfectly normal to feel some discomfort. Patients do not feel any pain during the procedure due to the use of anaesthesia. However, once the anaesthesia wears off, pain may begin.
This pain is generally not severe. You may feel mild sensitivity or discomfort in the area where the implant was placed. If the pain becomes more intense or the sensitivity increases, it’s important to notify your dentist.
Post-implant pain may appear as swelling in a specific part of the face. Additionally, bleeding and swelling in the gums around the implant site can also occur. This bleeding may contribute to the discomfort.
This may be painful, but the patient will need to tolerate it for a short period. If the pain, gum swelling, or bleeding persist long after the procedure, a dentist should be consulted immediately. This helps identify the root cause and work towards an appropriate solution.
How Long Does Pain Last After a Dental Implant?
Immediately after the procedure, you won’t feel any pain in the treated area because the area has been numbed. Once the anaesthesia wears off, pain may begin to appear.
The duration of pain varies from person to person. However, in most cases, the pain should subside within 7 days. Mild to moderate discomfort may occur in the first few days. During this time, minor swelling, gum sensitivity, and light bleeding may be observed.
Pain relievers prescribed by your dentist can help you manage the first 24–72 hours. It’s important to follow your dentist’s recommendations and carefully read prescription instructions before taking any medication. Dosage and duration of pain reliever use should be based strictly on your dentist’s advice.
Continuous pain is typically felt for 3 to 7 days after the procedure. Pain is expected to decrease significantly by the fifth day. If pain worsens, or if swelling and bleeding occur beyond this period, it’s crucial to see your dentist without delay.
Is It Normal to Have Pain After an Implant?
Compared to many other dental procedures, implant treatment is one of the least painful. Still, it’s completely normal to feel some pain after receiving an implant. For most patients, the pain decreases quickly and remains manageable. It’s considered part of the healing process and can usually be controlled with the right pain relievers and guidance from your dentist.
However, if the pain persists for an extended period, there may be another underlying issue. If the implant is not fitting properly, the pain is not considered normal. Likewise, an infection or inflammation in the gum area can also cause pain. Treating the infection will relieve the discomfort.
How to Relieve Pain After a Dental Implant?
There are some important rules to follow for reducing implant pain. In addition, there are simple methods that can help ease discomfort. These include:
- Avoid eating or drinking for the first few hours after the procedure.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Avoid hot food or drinks during the first 24 hours to prevent bleeding.
- Stay away from hard, crunchy foods that are difficult to chew.
- Maintain proper oral hygiene.
- Use painkillers under your dentist’s supervision.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Apply heat to relieve muscle tension.
- Avoid sticky foods like gum or jelly sweets.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water.
- Eat soft-textured foods.
If you’re planning to get an implant and want to recover as comfortably as possible, we invite you to visit our clinics with peace of mind. With the guidance of our expert dentists, you can manage post-implant pain and move forward pain-free!
