Table of contents
1. What is Dental Implant?
Dental implants are a method of replacing lost teeth with a small titanium post implanted into the jawbone. This post acts as a real tooth root, helping to support the porcelain crown above. Implants help restore chewing ability and aesthetics like natural teeth.
2. Dental Implant Procedure
The process consists of 4 main steps:
1. Examination: The doctor checks your oral health and takes X-rays.
2. Implant placement surgery: Titanium implants are implanted into the lower jawbone under anesthesia.
3. Wait for bone integration: It takes 3–6 months for the implant to fuse firmly with the bone.
4. Attaching the porcelain crown: The denture is mounted on the post to complete.
3. Is Dental Implant Painful?
The answer is NO PAIN during the surgery, but you may have some discomfort afterwards. Specifically:
– During implant placement: The doctor will apply local anesthesia so you will not feel any pain.
– After surgery: Once the anesthesia wears off, you may experience mild soreness or swelling for 2–3 days. This feeling is similar to that after wisdom tooth extraction and can be controlled with common pain relievers.
Note: The level of discomfort depends on each person's constitution and the number of implants implanted.
4. How to Reduce Pain After Implantation
To reduce soreness and speed recovery:
– Take medication as prescribed: Paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by your doctor (such as Ibuprofen).
– Cold compress: Apply ice pack to cheek for 15 minutes/time for the first 24 hours.
– Eat soft foods: Porridge, soup, smoothies to avoid impact on the implant area.
– Clean gently: Use a soft brush and avoid brushing directly on the incision.
5. Recovery Time After Surgery
– First 24–48 hours: Swelling and soreness peak, then gradually decrease.
– 1 week: Wound healed, can eat and drink almost normally.
– 3–6 months: The jawbone is completely fused with the implant, ready for dentures.
6. Signs You Need to See a Doctor Immediately
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
– Severe pain that does not subside after 3 days.
– Swelling or pus in the implant area.
– High fever over 38°C.
– Prolonged jaw stiffness.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is implant placement more painful than tooth extraction?
No. The pain after implant is less than after wisdom tooth extraction.
2. Can children have implants?
No. Only done when the jawbone stops growing (from 18 years old).
3. Do I need to abstain from sports after implant placement?
Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 2–3 days to reduce bleeding.
4. Will the implant be rejected?
Very rare. Success rate up to 95–98% with proper care.
5. How to reduce swelling quickly?
Apply cold compresses properly and take anti-inflammatory medications as directed.
8. Conclusion
Dental implants are not as painful as many people fear. Thanks to modern anesthesia technology, you will only feel a slight soreness for a few days, which can be completely controlled with regular pain relievers. This is a safe and effective solution to restore beautiful, healthy teeth.
If you still have questions about the procedure or the feeling of implant placement, please leave a question in the Readers' Comments section on the Sakura website. Our team of experts will answer you wholeheartedly!
