The thought of getting a dental implant can be thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time. It can be exciting to have your lost tooth replaced by a fake, permanent alternative. However, it can also be scary to imagine the process behind it. Perhaps that’s why our patients always ask us if a dental implant is painful.
For most people, dental procedures can seem terrifying, so it’s no surprise that an implant placement might come across as an intense treatment. But we’re here to tell you just what happens when you get a dental implant and whether or not you should be looking out for the pain. To learn more, keep on reading this blog.
Is Getting a Dental Implant Painful?
Technically, no. Dental implants are very simple. Throughout the procedure, you are under an anesthetic effect, which leaves you numb to the pain. This means that as the implant base is inserted into your jaw, you don’t feel anything. There isn’t even a tiny pinch that you feel.
However, once the anesthesia wears off, it is common for the pain and discomfort to bloom. It may not burst suddenly, but it does slowly seep in, making you conscious of the foreign object in your mouth. This is normal and nothing to worry about as the pain goes away soon enough.
As time goes by, your jaw gets used to the implant base, molding around it to cement its placement. Although, it is important to keep in mind that every surgery is different. For instance, some people need bone grafting before being fitted for an implant. This can add to the pain, making your jaw feel more sore than usual. On the other hand, if your jaw is healthy for a plain insert, then you may not have to sit through such intense bouts of pain.
How Long Does The Pain Last After A Dental Implant?
Surprisingly enough, the pain of a dental implant doesn’t last as long as you might think. Your gums are quick to recover. They may appear swollen and irritated at first, but slowly, if you take proper care of them, you can alleviate the pain within a span of a few weeks. By this time, the implant will have fused with your jawbone and gums, finding its place.
There could still be a lingering sense of discomfort, however, that will take longer to fade away. This is because your mouth needs time to get used to the new intrusive addition. That is also why it takes around four to five months for the dental implant to properly settle in.
Patients often resume their daily activities 3 to 5 days after getting an implant, as long as they don’t partake in any physical activities.
Final Takeaway
All in all, a dental implant is not as painful as it may appear at first glance. The procedure is fast and over before you know it. You just need patience and extreme care to make your way around it while it settles in. For more information, contact AK Dental of Austin today at (512) 653-3008. You can also drop by our dental clinic at 7010 State Hwy 71, Austin, TX 78735, United States, for an in-person evaluation.