Pain After Dental Implants: What's Normal? What’s Not?

Modern dental implant surgery is less invasive than ever before, but this surgical procedure does still involve cutting into your gums and jaw bone, so it’s normal to experience some pain and discomfort during the healing and recovery process. If you’re looking to decipher whether your pain is warranted or unusual, we’re here to provide answers. Find out all you need to know in this blog from Fox Point Dental Studio!

You’ll Start To Feel Some Pain A Few Hours After Your Implant Surgery

Immediately after your surgery, you won't feel any pain because the effect of sedation and numbing will still be wearing off. However, you will usually begin to feel some pain or discomfort after a few hours. There’s no need to worry. Dr. Zellmer and Dr. Major will give you instructions on how to deal with the pain and make sure your implant heals properly, so be sure to follow them closely.

Pain And Discomfort Usually Peak And Start To Fade Within 2-3 Days

Most patients find that their pain will peak and then begin to fade sometime within 2-3 days after their surgery. If possible, we recommend taking a day or two off of work so that you can relax and rest while you recover, but some patients choose to go back to work the day after their surgery.

Your pain may also be accompanied by swelling, bruising, bleeding, and inflammation. Again, this is normal. The body is reacting to your surgery and the area around your implant is healing.

You May Continue To Feel Some Discomfort For Up To A Week

You may feel some pain and sensitivity near your implant site for up to a week, though this should be significantly reduced within the first few days after your procedure at Fox Point Dental Studio.

This also depends on how fast you heal. Seniors, for example, may require a longer time to heal, and may feel some pain for a longer period of time. Make sure to follow your recovery instructions closely to ensure proper healing.

Know When Your Pain Isn’t Normal And Get A Follow-Up

Wondering what’s not normal after dental implant surgery? Here are a few signs that you should contact Dr. Zellmer or Dr. Major for a follow-up.

• Very severe pain that continues after 2-3 days – A few days after your initial treatment, your mouth may hurt, but you should not be feeling debilitating or serious pain. If you are, get a follow-up right away.
• Continued chronic pain after 1-2 weeks – After 2 weeks, the implant site may feel slightly tender, but your implant should not cause any pain. Get a follow-up if you’re feeling pain at this time.
• Your dental implant moves or wiggles – Your dental implant should absolutely not move or wiggle at all once it’s been placed, even immediately after your procedure. If you notice it moving, get help immediately.

We’re Here For You!

Whether you recently received a dental implant at Fox Point Dental Studio or you’re still just exploring dental implants in Fox Point, our team is here to help. To schedule a follow-up or get an initial consultation, just contact us online or call Fox Point Dental Studio at 414-236-5885.