Is Dental surgery Painful?

When you hear the words oral surgery, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? You don’t have to say it; we already know – pain. No matter how you put it, surgery is surgery, and it involves cutting open body tissues. And since our bodies have sensitive nerve endings, we expect that surgeries, regardless of type, will hurt. One of the most popular oral surgeries is dental implant placement. We’re not going to lie, there will be some discomfort, but the pain doesn’t happen during the procedure. Contrary to popular belief, it occurs once the effects of the anesthesia wear off.

Before we go into the details of pain management, it’s essential to understand what dental implants are for and how the procedure is done.

What are Dental Implants?

According to surveys, the majority of the population prefers dental implants to other tooth replacement options. Implants are composed of titanium metal posts that are shaped to look like screws. Your oral surgeon will cut open your gum tissues to expose the jawbone underneath. Once the jawbone is visible, a handheld tool is used to drill tiny holes into your jawbone. These holes are where your oral surgeon will place the metal implants.

Once they are in place, the gum tissues are stitched back to allow the implants to become a part of your mouth in a process called osseointegration. When osseointegration is complete, the implant becomes completely infused with your jawbone making them permanent fixtures in your mouth.

Are You Going to Experience Pain?

Is the procedure painful? Not at all. Anxious patients may be given oral sedatives to keep them relaxed during the process. Your oral surgeon may increase the dosage or change the level or type of sedation for those who can’t sit still because of dental phobia. Patients who move around are likely to experience pain. Don’t worry because you will be anesthetized the entire time. The site will be numb, and you won’t feel any pain.

When the effect of the anesthesia comes off, you may experience mild pain. People who underwent dental implant surgery say the pain is similar to the pain following a tooth extraction. It’s very rare for patients to complain of intense pain after the surgery. If it does happen, then it’s probably because of an infection or an improperly fitted implant.

The location of the pain depends on where the implants were placed, but most people say they felt it in their cheeks, under their eyes, or chin. Nevertheless, if we asked them if they regretted their decision, most if not all of them said the entire process was worth it.

Compared to other dental prostheses like bridges and dentures, dental implants are highly durable, and their longevity is unmatched. Typical bridges need to be changed every five to ten years, while bridges should be replaced every ten to fifteen years. People are more drawn to implants because they are forever given that you properly maintain them.

The good news is that implants are very easy to maintain. Since they are irremovable, you just have to treat them like natural teeth, which means you need to follow the usual oral care routine. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth twice a day and regularly visit your dentist.

How Long Does The Discomfort Last?

Typically, the patient experiences pain in their mouth, jaw, and face for approximately ten days. Your oral surgeon will brief you about the pain and how long you’ll likely experience it. Slight swelling is also expected. To manage pain and swelling, your oral surgeon will prescribe you antibiotics and some pain medications. They should subside after three days following the surgery.

If, after two weeks, the patient doesn’t complain of pain, then it means the dental implants are healing as they should. However, if pain and swelling worsen after two weeks, you need to let your oral surgeon know immediately as these are signs of infection.

Takeaway

How can you reduce the pain associated with dental implants? Pain and discomfort are part of the healing process, but you can minimize them by strictly following your oral surgeon’s post-op instructions. Take painkillers when needed, like Tylenol or Advil. Rinse your mouth regularly with warm saline solution to promote healing and minimize bacteria. As much as possible, avoid hot, hard, crunchy, and spicy foods for at least one week up to ten days. And last but not least, maintain proper oral hygiene. Don’t get discouraged by the pain of dental implants because it’s only temporary and you can always do something about it. Focus on the benefits of the procedure.