Because dental implants in Williamstown need to be placed via surgery, you’re probably worried about how much pain you’ll experience during the process. The short answer is, not very much – and certainly not so much that you should let it scare you away from new teeth that look, feel, and function like your natural smile! Nevertheless, it helps to have a clear idea of what level of discomfort you can expect during the implant process so that you can prepare yourself accordingly.
Will You Experience Any Discomfort During the Implant Surgery?
Despite many patients’ expectations, the implant placement procedure causes little to no pain. Your mouth will be completely numbed with local anesthesia so that you don’t register any discomfort during the actual treatment. (Note that local anesthesia is not like general anesthesia. It doesn’t put you in a sleep-like state; it just numbs a specific part of your body.)
Will There Be Pain After the Surgery?
Once the procedure is done and you’ve gotten some feeling back in your mouth, you’re very likely to experience some discomfort. However, the pain will be comparatively mild; many patients report that it hurts less than a tooth extraction. If you’re experiencing excessive amounts of pain, it could mean that the implant was not placed properly or that an infection has occurred. In those cases, you need to call your dentist right away.
How Long Should Discomfort Last After Receiving Dental Implants?
The pain that occurs after dental implant surgery – which is likely to be located around the treated area as well as the face and jaw – normally lasts around 10 days. During this time, you can take antibiotics and painkillers to stay as comfortable as possible and reduce any swelling that has occurred. You should already start seeing improvements after three days. The pain will typically fade entirely within two weeks, although the exact timeframe is going to vary from person to person. If pain and swelling are still present by day 14, set up an emergency appointment with your dentist to see if an infection has occurred.
What Can You Do to Minimize Your Pain After Implant Surgery?
- Follow the implant dentist’s post-operation instructions as closely as possible. Take any medications they prescribe as directed.
- Rinse with salt water to help your mouth heal.
- Stay away from hot, spicy, or crunchy foods for at least 10 days.
- Keep up an excellent oral hygiene routine. Be very gentle when brushing around the implant site.
- Use a cold compress for 10-minute intervals.
The bottom line is that dental implant surgery in Williamstown is nothing to be afraid of. As long as you follow your dentist’s directions, you can very easily manage the discomfort you experience after the procedure. Then you can start looking forward to the next stage of rebuilding your grin!
About the Author
Dr. Wael M. Kassem has been living in the Sicklerville area since 1997 and is excited to be able to use his dental experience to help Williamstown families. Having completed his dental studies in 2007, his goal is to provide exceptional dental service that takes advantage of state-of-the-art materials. To schedule a dental implant consultation at his practice, iSmile Dental Arts, visit his website or call (856) 818-9998.
