The very idea that someone is going to drill a kind of metal screw into your gum (more precisely, into your bone) is undeniably frightening. It feels like watching a horror movie. And that’s why, when we talk to our patients about getting our Dental Implants Savannah, the very first question on their lips is about pain, and whether they can handle it.
Of course, you’re nervous, as any kind of intervention into your body is scary — mainly because of the potential pain during the procedure and the discomfort that may follow. That’s why, in this article, our experts at Beyond Exceptional Dentistry answer the question “Do dental implants hurt?” and explain how to get through the procedure and the adjustment period.
Key Takeaways
- In this guide, we take you step by step through a full breakdown of the question “Do dental implants hurt?”, including all the important stages from the initial appointment to the final crown placement.
- We’ll explain the dental implant pain level you might experience during preparation, the procedure itself, and afterward, and also what kind of pain relief you can buy over the counter or ask your doctor to prescribe.
- We offer practical recommendations on how to relieve dental implant discomfort using home-based methods if you can’t see a doctor right away.
Do Dental Implants Hurt and at What Stages?
Our Patient Education section has addressed the topic of artificial posts several times, primarily because this treatment often frightens patients.
And now it’s time to break down the question: are teeth implants painful and how strong?
All in all, it’s fair to say that most dental procedures are far from enjoyable: after all, it’s not exactly comfortable having someone work in your mouth with a bunch of tools. Even when we perform beauty injections with our Juvéderm fillers to restore facial aesthetics, patients still tend to react to it with a certain level of stress. However, once patients see the final outcome, they tend to forget the distress they experienced and take satisfaction in the reflection they see.
To properly address the question “Do dental implants hurt?” it helps to examine the entire process and identify potential pain points:
- X-rays and evaluation of your mouth, teeth, gums, and bone — might feel uncomfortable in spots.
- If pre-treatment is necessary, there may be some pain.
- Implant arrangement into the bone may cause distress, but this is typically controlled.
- Osseointegration, or the recovery time and adaptation of the titanium piece, may come with some aches. Does a tooth implant hurt a lot at this stage? No, it’s usually quite manageable.
- The placement of the abutment and crown is a bit uncomfortable.
But in the end, the most rewarding thing is getting a real-looking tooth and being able to smile and chew freely, as if it were a natural part of your body.
Is the Preparation Sore, and Are Dental Implants Painful for Older Adults?
Interest in the topic “Are dental implants painful?” is growing, as more and more people consider them the best option to restore full jaw function. If there are no underlying oral wellness issues and no need for tooth or root extractions, the implant preparation process goes on lightly.
Older adults are probably the most concerned when it comes to dental implants, does it hurt topic, as they’re often our main patients. With age-related changes, teeth tend to wear down, decay, or require treatment or removal. This stage may also be unpleasant, depending largely on the complexity of the case.
For example, our full restoration procedure for these patients, Six Month Smiles, often involves placing artificial items, and we offer titanium components as one of the most advanced solutions for correcting aesthetics. But before that, we treat the bone and gums, remove any damaged teeth, and do everything possible to prepare for the procedure and ensure a smooth implant healing process — and yes, it’s not always painless.
Another part of the preparation process is choosing the right implant. For older adults whose immune systems don’t function as effectively, we offer more advanced implant brands such as Straumann, known for their fast fusion and suitability for more complex clinical cases.
How Painful Are Dental Implants During the Process?
To understand how painful dental implants are during placement, let’s first break down the flow itself. It’s similar to an intervention, as the dentist makes an incision in the gum tissue and screws the post into the bone. On average, a full appointment takes between twenty minutes to an hour for a single piece. Sometimes, if we’re placing several implants or dealing with tricky bone conditions, the procedure can take a bit longer. To avoid dental implant surgery pain, your doctor will provide spot anesthesia and, if you prefer, light sedation.
The most uncomfortable part usually comes after the work is done, but the post-op implant pain duration is short.
Do Teeth Implants Hurt Afterwards?
Do teeth implants hurt afterward? Yes, as you just had a minor invasive treatment, some aching is to be expected. But this type of tooth implant pain is usually more of a dull, aching sensation, similar to the feeling after a bruise.
You may also experience other symptoms, like swelling and even a slight feeling of heaviness around the site. Following implant placement, our dentists generally advise patients to take common pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Acetaminophen, Tylenol) and prescribe something stronger if the patient has a more intense reaction. For more intense pain, short-term use of prescription medications like Hydrocodone or Oxycodone may be recommended — typically for only a few days following complex surgeries or in patients with heightened pain sensitivity.
In some cases, especially if there’s a risk of inflammation, we’ll prescribe an antibiotic to control infection and help your healing go smoothly. To help ease your implant recovery time and relieve postoperative pain on your own, we recommend using cold compresses, rinsing with warm salt water, and sticking to soft, easy-to-eat foods.
And once the titanium post has fully integrated, that’s when we place our Dental Crowns Savannah and it doesn’t involve any incisions.
Conclusion
So, are dental implants painful? Yes, to a certain degree. But with the right pain management and a calming approach, most of our patients go through the process feeling surprisingly okay and relieved afterward.
Do dental implants hurt in the days following surgery? Yes, it happens, but no, it’s nothing serious. These are standard post-traumatic sensations. And don’t forget, you can absolutely use recommended pain relievers to stay relaxed.
Interested in understanding how dental implant treatment might look in your specific case and how it all works? Schedule a personal consultation at Beyond Exceptional Dentistry — we’ll assess your needs and recommend the most tailored, stress-free, and comfortable treatment option.
