Dental implants are a popular and effective treatment for tooth loss. An implant is a titanium screw that serves as a root for a prosthetic tooth.
Dental implants surgery is a complex procedure, and it frequently results in some pain. Typically, this pain is masked during surgery by anesthetics and afterward by ice or painkillers.
The pain should naturally subside within 7 days – if it doesn’t, you may need to seek dental attention.
What Causes Pain Following Dental Implant Surgery?
There are a few probable explanations for unresolved pain after dental implant surgery. These are typically infrequent occurrences and are not usually very serious.
1. An Infected Gum
With any form of surgery, infections cannot always be prevented. When this happens, you may experience quite a bit of pain, but it will not last for very long. If an infection is present, you will be prescribed antibiotics to treat it, along with painkillers, should the pain be excessive.
2. A Loose Healing Cap
A healing cap is a small screw that helps to hold your implant in place while osseointegration takes place. When it comes loose, it irritates the surrounding gum and bone and causes pain. If a loose healing cap is the cause of your pain, we will resolve this by refitting it in a straightforward procedure.
3. Loose Implants
Loose implants are not a common problem. When they do happen, they cause pain as the surrounding gum is irritated. Additionally, a loose implant may fail to fuse with the jawbone, and if this happens, you may need to have your implant removed. Luckily, this is not a common issue.
What To Do About Dental Implant Pain
The first thing to do is to report your pain to your dentist. They will examine your implant to diagnose the cause of the pain and will prescribe a course of treatment.
You may be able to prevent most causes of dental implant pain by following these simple tips during the healing process:
- Avoid sugary drinks – stick to water while your gums are healing.
- Do not smoke.
- Avoid eating hot or sticky foods.
- Be sure to rest – strenuous physical activity can delay healing
Unsure if your pain is normal? Call OMSH today and we can help you get on the path to feeling better!
