How Painful Is Getting One Dental Implant?

Are you ever afraid of having a dental implant? Most people are concerned with pain before or after it’s performed. The good news is that today’s dental practices make it simpler than you can imagine.

Here, we explain how painful it is to have one implant, what you can expect before and after the surgery, and how to manage pain effectively. If you are searching for dental implants in Lethbridge or just researching your possibilities, this guide will leave you feeling better and informed.

What Happens During A Dental Implant Procedure?

A dental implant is the most popular method of filling in a missing tooth. It consists of embedding a tiny metal post (which is typically made of titanium) into the jawbone. It serves as the root of a tooth and holds a crown that is moulded and feels precisely like a natural tooth.

Most patients receive local anesthesia; therefore, they don’t experience pain but only pressure during the procedure. The numbing is just like receiving a filling, and some of the patients also receive sedation to calm down.

How Painful Is The Recovery Process?

While the procedure itself is not painful due to anesthesia, some mild pain or soreness can be expected afterward. This discomfort is usually most noticeable during the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

You may feel:

• Swelling around the gums or face
• Tenderness or bruising near the implant site
• Minor bleeding
• Slight jaw stiffness

However, this pain is often similar to what you might feel after having a tooth removed. Most patients say it is manageable and not as bad as they expected.

How Long Do Dental Implants Hurt?

You might be wondering, how long do dental implants hurt? Most people feel soreness for about 3 to 5 days. By the end of the first week, many patients return to normal activities without much discomfort.

In some cases, tenderness may last up to 10 days, especially if the procedure was more complex or involved bone grafting. If the pain gets worse instead of better after a few days, you should contact your dentist to check for infection or other issues.

How To Relieve Pain From Dental Implant Surgery

Below, you’ll find easy and effective ways on how to relieve pain from dental implant placement:

• Use Cold Packs: Apply a cold cloth to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
• Take Pain Medicine: Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Rinse Gently: Use warm salt water after 24 hours to keep the area clean and reduce soreness.
• Eat Soft Foods: Choose foods such as soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes to avoid pressure on the implant site.
• Rest Well: Avoid heavy lifting or exercise during the first few days after surgery.

These steps help speed up healing and make you feel more comfortable.

What To Avoid After A Dental Implant

To prevent extra pain or problems during healing, avoid the following:

• Smoking, which slows down healing
• Drinking through a straw, which can cause bleeding
• Eating crunchy, hard, or spicy foods
• Touching or poking the implant site with your tongue or fingers
• Skipping medications or follow-up visits

Good aftercare makes a big difference in how smooth your recovery feels.

Is The Pain Worth It?

Although you may feel some short-term discomfort, dental implants offer long-term benefits. They look, feel, and function like real teeth. You can eat your favourite foods, speak clearly, and smile with confidence.

Many patients say the results are worth the mild pain they experienced. Plus, with proper care, implants can last 15 to 25 years or even longer.

When Should You Call A Dentist?

It is important to know what kind of pain is normal and what is not. Call your dental clinic if you experience:

• Sharp or increasing pain after 3 days
• Swelling that continues to worsen instead of getting better.
• Fever or chills
• Bad taste or pus near the implant

These could be signs of infection and should be checked right away.

Let Us Help You Smile With Confidence

If you are considering dental implants, the team at Stafford Family Dental is here to guide you every step of the way. As a trusted dentist in Lethbridge, we focus on your comfort, safety, and long-term results.

Call us today to book a consultation and learn how one small implant can bring big changes to your smile and confidence!