Dental implants make such a difference in your appearance, as well as the ability to chew. Perhaps the only thing holding you back from making such a positive change is apprehension about any pain involved. The team at Pacific Northwest Periodontics explains how discomfort is alleviated during the dental implant procedure.
Pressure, Not Pain
Patients receive local anesthesia prior to dental implant surgery. The procedure does not start until the affected area is numb. You should not feel any pain during the procedure, but you may feel pressure.
Those patients dealing with dental anxiety may opt for various levels of sedation solutions. At Pacific Northwest Periodontics, these solutions include:
- Oral relaxation via pills
- Nitrous oxide relaxation
- IV relaxation, or twilight sleep
Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to minimize and manage any post-operative pain.
The First Week
For a few days after dental implant surgery, you’re likely to feel some tenderness around the site. That should dissipate within a week. Most people can return to work or school within three days of implant surgery.
The dentist may write a prescription for pain medication to cover the first few days’ post-surgery. For most patients, any soreness should respond to an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Applying a cold compress to the cheek next to the implant site regularly for the first day or so also provides relief from swelling.
Dental Implant Recovery
Expect to fully recover from your dental implant surgery in four to six months. That’s the length of time it takes for the implant post to fuse with the jawbone. For the initial few weeks during this recovery period, NSAIDs should offer relief from any discomfort.
If pain persists for more than a few weeks, contact your dentist. It is not normal to experience prolonged or severe pain after dental implant surgery. If that’s the case, a tooth infection or metal allergy may prove the culprit. Immediate attention is necessary.
Contact the Dental Implant Team at Pacific Northwest Periodontics
The experienced team at Pacific Northwest Periodontics is led by Dr. Darrin Rapoport and Dr. Ida Zarrabi. More than 10,000 patients have had dental implant surgery performed by these two men. Every patient receives the personal attention needed to ensure their dental implants are performing as intended. Call 206-575-1086 or contact us today to schedule a dental implant consultation with our team. We will answer any questions you have regarding dental implants and the healing process.
