Do Dental Implants Hurt?

Okay so let’s be honest, when someone says “dental implant”, the first thing ppl think is pain. Like a lot of pain. It just sounds scary. Metal screw going in your jaw? No thanks, right?

But actually, its not as bad as you probly imagine. Alot of people are surprised when they go thru it and realise its not even the worst dental thing. Honestly, getting a root canal or even a wisdom tooth out hurts more (for some).

So yea, in this post I’m gonna talk about do dental implants hurt, how much, for how long, and what to expect. I’ve never wrote about this before but I think people need to know the truth, not just the stuff the dentist says.

What is a dental implant anyway

So real quick, a dental implant is like a fake tooth root. If you lost a tooth or it got pulled out or whatever, they can put a implant in your jaw and then put a fake tooth (crown) on top of that later. Its not just like a fake tooth that clips in. This one stays in there. Like forever. Or well, for many years.

The process is kinda long tho. It’s not like you go in and walk out with a tooth the same day. Usually its like:

1. Take out the old or broken tooth (if not gone already)

2. Wait a bit to heal

3. Put the implant screw in (this is the surgery part)

4. Wait for that to heal (couple months sometimes)

5. Then attach the crown (the part that looks like a tooth)

Yea it’s a bit of a journey lol.

Does it hurt when they do it?

So here’s the thing – during the actual surgery, no, it doesn’t hurt. You don’t feel pain because they numb the area really good. Local anesthesia they call it. You might feel some pressure or tugging, but not pain.

Some people even fall asleep if they get sedated or just super relaxed. Others just get nervous but still don’t feel anything except maybe the sound of drilling. That part is more annoying than painful.

So like, the idea of a screw in your jaw sounds horrible but in real life, you won’t feel it happening.

But does it hurt after??

Okay yeah. After the numbness goes away, you probly will feel sore. That’s just normal. Think about it – they cut open your gum, drilled in your bone, then stitched it shut. So obviously your jaw is gonna be a little mad about that lol.

Here’s what you might feel:

• Sore or achy jaw

• Swelling in your face or gum

• Bruising (sometimes, not always)

• Little bleeding maybe

• Pain when eating or chewing

But most people say it’s not crazy pain. Like not the worst ever. Just dull aching and some discomfort.

The first 2-3 days is usually the worst, then it starts getting better fast. After a week most people are fine again.

What do people say it feels like?

So I asked some ppl and also read online, and here’s how some describe it:

• “Like I got punched in the jaw but not hard”

• “Pressure more than pain”

• “Ibuprofen took care of it”

• “I was scared for nothing lol”

• “Didn’t sleep the first night but was fine after”

So yea, it’s not nothing, but it’s also not like you’re screaming in pain or anything. And pain meds helps a lot.

How long does the pain last

Usually like 3 to 5 days. Some ppl feel sore for a week. If you had more than one implant, or needed a bone graft (extra procedure to build up bone), then it might take longer to heal and hurt more.

But if it’s just one simple implant, most ppl bounce back fast.

If it still hurts bad after like 7-10 days, then you should probly call the dentist. Could be infected or something went wrong. Better to check early than wait.

Bone graft – does it hurt more?

Yea so bone graft is when they have to add bone (fake or real) to your jaw coz it’s not thick enough for the implant. That’s a extra surgery step and can be more uncomfortable.

People say it feels more sore than just implant. But again, not horrible pain, just more swollen and puffy feeling.

Plus, it adds more healing time. So if you need that, just expect to be sore for a bit longer.

Tips to deal with the pain

Ok here’s what you can do to feel better after getting the implant:

• Take your meds even if you don’t feel pain yet (stay ahead of it)

• Use ice packs first day to keep swelling down

• Eat soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, smoothies etc

• Don’t smoke – it slows down healing a lot

• Sleep with head up – helps reduce swelling

• Don’t touch the stitches with your tongue (tempting I know)

Also rinse your mouth gentle with warm salt water after the first day. Helps keep it clean.

When to worry about pain

So like I said, some pain is normal. But if you have pain that’s getting worse after day 4-5, or:

• High fever

• Pus or nasty taste in mouth

• Can’t open jaw properly

• Pain is sharp and constant

Then you should 100% call your dentist. Don’t wait. Might be infected or maybe the implant didn’t set right.

Better safe than sorry.

Is it worth it tho?

Honestly yeah. Most people who got implants say it’s totally worth it. Once it heals, it feels like your own tooth. You can chew normally, talk normal, and smile without being self conscious.

Plus it lasts YEARS. Like 10+ years, some even longer. So it’s a good long term fix. Better than dentures or bridges for most.

So even tho there’s some pain and healing, it’s only temporary. And the result is way better.

Final Thoughts

So, do dental implants hurt? Kinda. But not the way you think. Not during the surgery really. And not unbearable after. It’s more like soreness, swelling, bit of discomfort. Like gym pain but in your jaw lol.

Most people are scared before, then surprised after like “that’s it??” So don’t let fear of pain stop you from fixing your teeth. Just be prepared, rest, follow instructions, and it’ll go fine.

And seriously, talk to your dentist. Ask questions. Tell them if you’re nervous. They’re used to it and can help make it less scary.

Good luck if you’re getting one. You got this