When you decide to get a dental implant, one of the first questions that probably pops into your mind is: “Will it hurt?”. It’s natural to worry about the pain associated with dental implants or any other dental procedure, but our doctors are here to provide you with the information you need so you can enjoy your treatments with peace of mind. So let’s discuss what is normal and what is not when it comes to pain after dental implants.
Dental Implants and Pain: What’s Normal and What’s Not?
When it comes to dental implants, it’s important to clear up a common misunderstanding: the dental implant itself can’t cause pain because it’s an artificial, screw-like device inserted into the jawbone. What can cause discomfort or pain is the surgical process of inserting the implant and the healing period that follows. After the procedure, it is normal to have some inflammation and tenderness around the operated area, but these symptoms are temporary and manageable with the help of medications prescribed by the doctor. So, the phrase “why do dental implants hurt”, although common, is inaccurate. It would be more correct to discuss the post-operative pain associated with the dental implant insertion intervention.
Normal pain after dental implant
Immediately after the implantation procedure, it is absolutely normal to feel some discomfort or mild pain. This can be compared to the pain felt after a tooth extraction. The pain should be manageable with regular pain relievers and should gradually subside over a few days. Swelling and tenderness are also common and can last 7 to 10 days.
Abnormal pain after dental implant
However, if the pain persists for more than two weeks or becomes more intense instead of decreasing, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Infections, implant rejection, or peri-implantitis are potential causes of persistent pain. It is essential to contact your dentist if you experience severe or prolonged pain.
Dental implant: Risks associated with pain
Like any medical procedure, dental implants come with certain risks. It’s important to be aware of these risks so you can take preventative measures and know when to ask for help.
Infection after dental implant
Infection is one of the main risks associated with dental implants. Bacteria can enter the tissues around the implant, causing inflammation and pain. Rigorous oral hygiene and following your doctor’s post-operative instructions are essential to prevent infection. The most common mistake is the lack of hygiene, for fear of “not disturbing the operation or the threads”. Lack of hygiene can lead to the loss of the dental implant immediately postoperatively.
Dental implant rejection
In rare cases, the body may reject the dental implant. This situation can cause pain and inflammation and require removal of the implant. Rejection reactions are usually detected in the first days after implantation.
Peri-implantitis
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues surrounding the dental implant. This can lead to bone loss and eventually the loss of the implant if not treated promptly. Symptoms of peri-implantitis include redness, bleeding, pain, and purulent discharge around the implant.
What do you do if the dental implant moves?
Another aspect that can cause discomfort or pain is the movement of the dental implant. If you notice your implant moving, it’s important to act quickly.
Causes of dental implant movement
The dental implant can move for a number of reasons, including lack of proper osseointegration, peri-implantitis, or mechanical overload. If the bone does not attach properly to the implant, it can become unstable and move.
Solutions for the moving dental implant
If the dental implant moves, the first step is to contact your dentist immediately. He will assess the situation and determine the cause. Depending on the severity of the problem, the doctor may recommend either adjusting the implant or treating the infection (if the movement is caused by an infection), or removing and replacing the implant in more severe cases.
Prevention of dental implant movement
To prevent the dental implant from moving, follow all your dentist’s recommendations for post-operative care and avoid hard or crunchy foods that could put excessive pressure on the implant. Proper oral hygiene is also essential to maintain the health of the tissues around the implant. Wearing a bruxism splint protects the implant from parafunctions during the night and prevents its mobilization into the bone.
How long does it take for a dental implant to heal?
Another important aspect to discuss is the time required for a dental implant to heal. The healing process varies from person to person, but generally takes between 3 and 6 months. This process includes the integration of the bone with the implant, known as osseointegration.
The healing of a dental implant can be divided into 3 stages: the immediate postoperative stage, the early healing phase and the complete healing.
The first days after the intervention are critical. You will experience some degree of pain and inflammation, which should gradually subside. Then, in the first 6 weeks, new bone begins to attach around the implant. It is important to follow all the doctor’s instructions to avoid complications. Finally, after 2-3 months, the bone should be fully integrated with the implant, and it will be stable and ready to support a dental crown.
What should you remember?
It is important to remember that pain associated with dental implants may be normal for the first few days after the procedure, but persistent or intense pain may indicate a problem that requires medical attention. Also, the risks associated with the dental implant, such as infection, rejection, or peri-implantitis, must be carefully monitored. If you notice that the dental implant is moving, we recommend that you see your dentist immediately for evaluation and treatment.
For more information about dental implants, you can visit the dedicated page on our website.