Is it painful to have dental implants fitted?

You might be surprised to learn that dental implant fitting actually causes less pain and swelling than a simple tooth extraction, if it’s carried out by an experienced dentist.

During the fitting

During the operation, the fitting of the dental implants is done under local anaesthetic. Today’s anaesthetics are so precise and effective that patients don’t feel any pain. Also, in situations where a patient is feeling particularly worried or anxious about the procedure, a mild sedative can be administered beforehand.

After the fitting

Following the fitting of dental implants there may be some mild pain, for a period between 24 and 72 hours. Patients can take over-the-counter painkillers to ease their discomfort. They could also wrap an ice cube in a tissue and place it on their cheek, to reduce the swelling of the gums.

Minor bleeding for 2 to 3 days is quite a common occurrence, so swallowing saliva instead of spitting it out is recommended. In the case of more severe bleeding, it might be necessary to bite down on a compress for several minutes.

Finally, an antibiotic is prescribed to the patient in order to avoid any risk of infection, which could also lead to pain. More details on what happens after surgery will be provided by the dentist on the day.

Post-operative care

The follow-up to a dental implant fitting operation is usually quite minor. Taking 2 to 3 days off work is recommended, and there are some precautions that need to be taken, particularly with what you eat. Take a look at our article Eating after a dental implant fitting for more information on this subject.

Recovery: freedom!

Once you’ve fully recuperated, you won’t feel pain any more. You can smile again, and feel that your teeth are completely normal. To get your brand new smile, with the help of dental implants, make an appointment and get a consultation at St-Onge Dental Centre, in La Prairie.