People fall prey to many misconceptions about dental implant procedures nowadays. That’s why it’s essential to know the truth about dental implant pain before getting dental implants.
During a dental implant procedure, the dentist will open up tissue in your mouth and drill one or more titanium rods into the bone under the gums. This provides a permanent root for the false replacement tooth.
The dentist will give you local anesthesia so that you don’t feel pain during the process of implantation. However, the recovery period includes pain that may last a few days but is manageable with medication. Pain that lasts longer than 4-5 days or gets worse may require medical care.
Getting dental implants is often a three-step process involving implant rod or screw insertion, tooth removal, and replacement tooth insertion. It takes months for the rods to fuse to your bone. Your oral dentist will wait to place a replacement crown until the titanium rods are firmly set in your bone.
Read on to learn about dental implant pain in detail.
Does Dental Implant Surgery Hurt?
The dental implant procedure is more intrusive than bridges, with a little more drilling than fillings, but there is no pain thanks to anesthetics. There is a little discomfort, and sometimes gum aches the next day.
Pain After a Dental Implant
People generally feel some pain and discomfort after dental implant surgery, but it doesn’t last more than a few days. The pain will likely be near the dental implant site, and it feels more acute when the local anesthesia from the procedure wears off.
In some cases, there are other symptoms that you may experience after dental implant surgery, including:
- Minor bruising
- Jaw pain
- Bleeding at the surgery site
- Swelling around the face and gums
An oral dentist can provide instructions for proper care after the implant surgery to manage and reduce your pain. Post-procedure care includes:
- Rest on the procedure day and possibly in subsequent days, according to how you feel
- Instructions on how you can care for the surgical site
- Prescription & over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pain
- Avoidance of certain foods, like hard or hot foods
- Ice packs to reduce swelling
Causes of Throbbing Dental Implant Pain
Let’s dive right in and discuss why your tooth implant could be causing you throbbing pain.
1. Infection
One of the most common causes of throbbing pain after a dental implant is infection. Poor dental hygiene gives birth to bacteria which causes the infection. If you’re not brushing and flossing properly, you’re at risk of developing an infection. Symptoms include pain, swelling, inflammation, and bleeding around the implant site. If you suspect an infection, it’s important to see your dentist right away.
2. Instability
If your implant feels loose, the cause may be a loss of bone around the dental implant. An unstable implant indicates that the titanium screw isn’t fused correctly with the surrounding bone in the first place or is failing. This can also happen because you have started smoking again.
Or it may be due to an inexperienced dentist placing implants incorrectly into a bone that wasn’t deep enough to support it. Whatever the reason, you will probably be feeling some pain from an unstable implant. Unfortunately, a loose dental implant has to be removed in most instances.
3. Bad Bite
If your dentist doesn’t place the tooth implant correctly, it can cause your bite to be off. This means that the pressure will not evenly distribute when you chew.
A bad bite can cause a lot of pain in the implant area and your jaw. You may also experience headaches and neck pain from a bad bite. An experienced dentist will adjust the placement of your implant and make sure that your bite is aligned correctly.
4. Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is another common cause of throbbing pain after a dental implant. The pain can occur due to the damage to the nerves in the area during surgery. Symptoms of nerve damage include tingling, numbness, and pain. Nerve damage is usually temporary, but it can be permanent in some cases. If you’re experiencing nerve damage, your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain medication or prescription medication.
What Can You Do if You Experience Dental Implant Pain After Two Weeks?
If you’re experiencing throbbing pain after two weeks or more of a dental implant procedure, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. They’ll be able to determine what is causing the pain and recommend the best course of treatment. Your oral dentist will review pain that lingers after two weeks or gets worse because it isn’t common to experience pain long after the procedure.
Want to Know the Truth About Dental Implant Pain? Contact Dental on First Today!
No dental patient looks forward to any pain, but people considering dental implant surgery should not let a fear of post-surgery discomfort discourage them from pursuing the procedure. Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements, and after completion of the implant process, they will leave you with a beautifully restored smile. But it is also important to choose an experienced professional dentist for a perfect dental implant.
So, for the best dentist and quality dental care, contact Dental on First at 952-758-3003 or Office@dentalonfirst.com today!