Do Dental Implants Hurt?

Do you have missing teeth you want replaced? Dental implants are the premium option for replacing lost teeth, but some individuals are concerned about dental implant procedure pain. If you need tooth restoration, it is important to know about the benefits of dental implants and what to expect during the procedure and recovery. Do dental implants hurt? Here is what you need to know about the dental implant procedure and whether or not it can cause pain.

Dental Implant Procedure Explained

Dental implants are put in place with a surgical procedure. Oral surgery is used to insert a titanium post into the jaw that is the anchor for restorations. An incision is made into the gum tissue to access the jawbone and stitches are often needed to close the incision once the dental implant is completed. After the dental implant is in place, the goal is to allow the bone to grow around the post to hold it in place. This procedure can require 4-6 months before a permanent tooth restoration like a crown or denture is attached to the implant.

Is There Dental Implant Procedure Pain?

While there is some discomfort that will accompany a dental implant procedure, pain is not severe and does not last long. The dental implant does not have nerves that report pain like a natural tooth and the bone that has been altered does not have nerve endings. Any discomfort felt in the days after the dental implant procedure is from the soft tissue surrounding the implant, but this is usually mild and dissipates in the several days after surgery.

Dental Implant Benefits

Once dental implants heal and connect to the jawbone, they can last a lifetime. The post can be used to attach a crown to the abutment that looks and functions like a natural tooth. The posts can also be connected to dentures or crowns for a dental bridge. If you wonder, “Are dental implants painful?” remember that dental implants do not have nerves like natural teeth – they should not be painful at all. Some of the benefits of dental implants include:

• Stimulates bone growth to prevent bone loss in the jaw
• Dental implants can last for decades
• Dental implants are versatile for tooth restoration options
• Dental implants are permanent and hold restorations in place

Dental implants can be a permanent solution to one or more missing teeth. They are the closest option to a natural tooth and can last for many years without any problems. In most cases, dental implants are a long-lasting option for replacing teeth with little pain or discomfort from the procedure.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

The most natural-appearing option in tooth restoration for missing teeth is a dental implant. The design is similar to a tooth, with a titanium “root” that ...Read More

What to Do if Dental Implants Hurt

Dental implants should not be painful. After the initial recovery, the soreness from the dental implant procedure should go away and your dental implants should not hurt. However, like any surgical procedure, there are possible complications that can occur after dental implants. If you experience dental implant procedure pain for over a week, there may be complications that are causing your pain. Possible reasons why dental implants are painful include:

• Infection. The most common reason for pain after a dental implant procedure is an infection in the bone around the implant. While this is rare, it can be treated with antibiotics in most cases – severe infections may require the removal of any contaminated material.
• Misaligned bite. If the crown on the dental implant does not fit correctly with your other teeth, it can cause a misaligned bite that may result in discomfort. The crown can be replaced to achieve an aligned bite to resolve pain.
• Failed implant. Only a small fraction of dental implants fails to adhere to the bone or need to be replaced. If an implant disrupts neighboring teeth or does not bond to the bone, it may cause pain and need removal.

Most dental implants are only sore for a few days after the procedure, then do not cause pain. In fact, you should not feel the implant at all, since it does not have nerves attached to the root. The small percentage of people who experience dental implant pain may have a complication with their procedure, but most can receive treatment without needing their dental implant removed. Patients can help avoid complications by following their dentist’s aftercare recommendations to prevent infection and allow for proper healing of the surgical site.

Do dental implants hurt? In most cases, the dental implant procedure is not painful, and the minimal discomfort dissipates quickly during recovery. If you have missing teeth that you want replaced, dental implants offer many benefits over other types of tooth restorations and less discomfort than dentures or other tooth replacement options. To learn more about dental implants and if you are a good candidate for this procedure, contact a local dentist or oral surgeon who offers dental implants for a consultation.

The information provided on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other materials, is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.