A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that consists of a small titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as a replacement for the natural tooth root. After the placement of a dental implant, it is common to feel a slight discomfort or even pain. It’s important to know that the discomfort is perfectly normal as long as it doesn’t last. In this article, we’ll explore a range of tried-and-tested methods to help you find comfort, so that you know how to relieve pain from dental implant.
Control of pain before, during, and after dental implant surgery
So how can you relieve pain from dental dimplant before, during, and after the surgery?
Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area prior to placing the implant. This will effectively manage any pain that may be associated with the procedure.
Sedation or general anesthesia options might also be accessible for patients who are more anxious or who have more complicated cases.
After surgery, it is not uncommon to feel some discomfort, which can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. If additional relief is required, your dentist may also recommend a more potent analgesic for you to take.
Tips to relieve pain from dental implants
Now we know that it is normal to experience some level of discomfort or pain after dental implant surgery.
This is typically only a temporary condition that will begin to improve within a week or two.
If you had bone graft, then you can experience some swellings as well in addition to pain and discomfort, which is also normal. In any case, your dentist will guide you on how to relieve pain from dental implant procedure.
It’s important to know that there are several practical and effective ways to find relief.
Here are some simple tips to help you alleviate pain and promote a smoother recovery process:
- Take pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, as prescribed by your dentist, can help manage post-surgery discomfort.
- Apply cold compress: Placing a cold pack wrapped in a cloth on the affected area can reduce swelling and numb the pain.
- Rinse with saltwater: Gently rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day can soothe the surgical site and minimize irritation.
- Follow a soft diet: Opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods during the initial days after the procedure to avoid putting excessive pressure on the implants.
- Keep your head elevated: Elevating your head while resting can reduce blood flow to the surgical site, which may help alleviate pain and swelling.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol: Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol as they can slow down the healing process and increase discomfort.
- Limit physical activity: Avoid strenuous exercises and activities that may disrupt the healing process, giving your body ample time to recover.
How long does postoperative pain last?
After the procedure, the region where the implant was placed might be sore or sensitive for anywhere from a few days to a week or two. However, this pain period depends on the individual’s pain tolerance, the degree of difficulty of the procedure, and how quickly the patient heals.
The practice of proper oral hygiene can speed recovery and lessen the associated pain.
To maintain a clean environment around the implant site, these practices involve using a soft toothbrush, floss, and possibly a mouthwash that has been prescribed by your dentist.
If you want to relieve pain from dental implants but it lasts for more than two weeks or becomes severe, you need to contact your dentist immediately. This could be an indication of complications, such as an infection or a failed implant.
I can’t relieve pain after dental implant surgery
While discomfort is common during the healing process, some people may find it challenging to find relief. So let’s explore some possible reasons for prolonged pain after your dental implant surgery.
Infection or inflammation
If you don’t practice good oral hygiene, you could end up getting an infection around the implant, which would result in pain and swelling.
This condition, which is known as peri-implantitis, needs to be treated right away in order to avoid any further complications.
Overloading
If an excessive amount of pressure is placed on the implant before it has fully healed, it can lead to pain as well as the possible failure of the implant.
This may happen when the screw is loaded, getting a temporary or final crown, right after the placement of the screw or before the full healing time has passed.
Problems with the sinuses
If an implant is placed in the upper jaw, there is a possibility that the implant will protrude into the sinus cavity, which can lead to sinus-related problems. Because of this, you might experience discomfort or pain that is analogous to sinusitis.
Can I fly home from Hungary right after my oral surgery?
Our foreign patients always ask if they can fly after implant surgery.
The general practice is, if surgery took place on a given day, the next day there is a check-up and then you can fly even to the US no matter how complex dental care you had.
In a nutshell, the placement of dental implants is a significant procedure that needs to be followed up with post-operative care and patience.
However, with the application of contemporary methods and the direction of a trained professional, it is possible to effectively alleviate tooth loss, thereby enhancing both oral health and quality of life.
This is why patients come to Hungary for implant treatment from all over the world and the success of implant treatment at our clinic in Hungary is over 98%.
