Dental Implants in Tampa, FL
It’s no secret that most dental procedures are uncomfortable, and dental implants are no exception. The question is are dental implants painful? The answer is no. In fact, our dental implant patients report back that they experience very little discomfort during or after their surgery.
What happens while getting a dental implant?
You comfort and safety is our top priority, so we begin by numbing every part of your mouth that will be involved in the implant placement procedure, including your gums and jaw. We recommend sedatives or general anesthesia if you have dental anxiety and are concerned that seeing, hearing, or feeling the tools we use will create an unpleasant feeling. You will find that implants don’t hurt and during surgery, you won’t feel a thing.
Is it normal to have much pain after a dental implant?
As the numbing wears off, it’s normal to start to feel an annoying ache although it’s not excruciating or intolerable. It’s more like the discomfort you’d feel when you have a tooth extracted. Our patients are usually surprised that they didn’t feel more pain throughout the entire process. Depending on where we need to place your implants, you may feel a little throbbing in your cheeks, chin, gums, or even in your eyes or nose. Again, the soreness is minimal.
How do you prevent or relieve dental implant discomfort?
We want to ensure that you have as little discomfort as possible before, during, and after your dental implant procedure. An expert implantologist like Dr. Valiente, who is a Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, has additional years of education, experience, and training. Dr. Valiente is specialist who successfully places implants every day and has been doing so for many years.
How to Prevent Pain Post-Op
- Follow our after-care instructions.
- Reduce swelling by applying an ice pack to your cheek.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications—naproxen every 8-12 hours.
- Gently bathe your gums in warm salt water.
- Eat only cold and soft foods, like ice cream and yogurt, the first few days.
What if I start to feel pain?
If you have swelling, fever, or any sign of infection, call us immediately. Pain after 5-10 days is a sign that something is not right. We will check out the implant and surrounding tissues right away and make every effort to save the implant and relieve your pain.
Implant teeth are the best teeth replacement option available today, and the small amount of tenderness you may have for a few days is worth the beautiful smile you will enjoy for years to come. Make sure to rest, take your pain relievers, and apply ice packs, and you’ll have an excellent, pain-free implant experience both during and after your surgery.
