Do Dental Implants Hurt? Here’s All You Need to Know

TreatmentMay 24, 2024

When you hear “dental implants,” you might wince at the thought of pain. But do dental implants hurt as much as you imagine? The first thing you need to know is that the discomfort from dental implants is usually temporary and manageable.

Olly / Pexels / Immediately after the procedure, it is common to experience some pain and swelling, similar to what you might feel after a tooth extraction.

This initial discomfort generally lasts a few days, with significant improvement within a week. However, most patients report that the pain is manageable with over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. The discomfort is often described as mild to moderate, akin to a dental filling or a minor oral surgery.

By the end of two weeks, the majority of the pain and swelling should subside. Thus, this will leave you on the path to enjoying your new dental implants pain-free.

What are the Major Types of Dental Implants?

Before we delve deeper into the phases and pain management, let’s understand the two main types of dental implants:

Endosteal Implants

These are the most common types of dental implants. They are surgically placed directly into the jawbone and act as a root for the artificial tooth. Over time, the bone grows around the implant, securing it firmly.

John / Unsplash / Endosteal and Subperiosteal Implants are two major types of dental implants.

Subperiosteal Implants

These are placed under the gum but on or above the jawbone. This type is used for patients who do not have enough healthy jawbone and cannot, or do not want to, undergo a bone augmentation procedure to rebuild it.

What are the Phases of Dental Implant Procedures

Understanding the phases of dental implant procedures can help set your expectations and alleviate any fears you might have about pain.

Consultation and Planning

The journey begins with a thorough consultation and planning phase. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays, and develop a customized treatment plan. This phase is pain-free and involves discussing your medical history, the number of teeth to be replaced, and the overall health of your jawbone.

Surgical Procedure

This is where the magic happens and, understandably, the phase where most people worry about pain. During the surgery, your dentist will place the implant into your jawbone.

The good news? You won’t feel a thing during the procedure itself because it is performed under local anesthesia. However, some patients may opt for sedation for additional comfort.

After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort. This is typically managed with prescribed pain medications and resolves within a few days.

Healing and Osseointegration

The final phase involves healing and osseointegration, where the implant integrates with your jawbone. This can take several months. During this period, any discomfort is usually minimal and related to the healing of the surgical site.

Despite the temporary discomfort, dental implants come with numerous advantages that make them worth considering.

Do Dental Implants Hurt Then?

Now, to address the million-dollar question: “Do dental implants hurt?” The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. The dental implant procedure itself does not hurt thanks to effective local anesthesia. However, you can expect some discomfort following the surgery, similar to any other dental procedure involving surgery.

Tima / Pexels / While the dental implant procedure itself does not hurt, you might feel discomfort after the surgery.

Here is a quick breakdown:

During the Procedure: You will not feel pain due to anesthesia.
After the Procedure: Expect mild to moderate discomfort for a few days, managed with painkillers.

After the initial healing period, you should not experience pain, and the implants should feel like natural teeth.