does a dental implant hurt

Fear of pain is the most common reason people put off an implant, often for years. The honest picture is reassuring: for most people, a single implant is less uncomfortable than they expected, and the discomfort afterwards is short-lived and manageable. Here is what to expect at each stage, and what is not normal.

During the procedure

Your dentist or the specialist numbs the area with local anaesthetic, the same kind used for a filling or root canal, and checks that it has fully taken before starting. Jawbone has relatively few pain nerves compared with a tooth's pulp, so once numb you should not feel sharp pain. What you will feel is pressure, vibration from the implant motor, and the sensation of water. A single implant often takes under an hour of actual surgery, though the appointment is longer.

If you feel a sharp twinge at any point, raise your hand. More anaesthetic can be given; there is no reason to sit through pain. If you are very anxious, tell us when you register: the registration form asks about anxiety, and knowing in advance lets the team explain each step, take breaks and go at your pace.

The first few days

• Day 1: numbness wears off in a few hours. A dull ache and mild oozing are normal. Take the prescribed painkillers before the anaesthetic fully wears off rather than waiting for pain.
• Days 2 to 3: swelling usually peaks here, especially after a bone graft or in the lower back jaw. Some people see mild bruising on the cheek.
• Days 4 to 7: soreness fades steadily. Most office workers are back at their desks in a day or two after a single implant.

How to make recovery easier

Our written pre- and post-operative instructions are on the working policies page. The parts that matter most for comfort are:

• Have a proper meal about an hour before surgery, so you are not running on an empty stomach.
• Come with a companion, and do not ride or drive yourself home. A two-wheeler through Pune traffic straight after surgery is a bad idea.
• Bite on the gauze for 45 minutes after surgery. Do not spit, rinse or use a straw for the first 24 hours.
• Use an ice pack on the cheek, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, three to four times on the first day.
• Start warm saltwater rinses after 24 hours. Eat soft, lukewarm food; skip hot chai for the first day and chew on the other side.
• No smoking, tobacco or alcohol for at least four to five days. These raise both pain and the risk of infection.

Pain that is not normal

Discomfort should improve a little each day. Call us if pain is getting worse after day three, if swelling keeps increasing, if there is pus or a foul taste, if you develop a fever, or if numbness of the lip or chin continues after the anaesthetic should have worn off. Severe pain, heavy bleeding, palpitations or feeling faint need an immediate call on 8484 990 678.

Kharadi is open until 11 PM. After hours, go to a hospital emergency department if facial swelling is spreading towards the eye or neck, if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if bleeding will not stop. More guidance is on our emergency dentist page.

Is a bigger case more painful?

Several implants, a bone graft or a sinus lift usually mean more swelling and a longer recovery, perhaps a week instead of a few days. The approach is the same: local anaesthetic, planned painkillers and careful aftercare. Your specialist will tell you what to expect for your particular plan before you agree to it.