Although dental implants have gained widespread popularity, patients continue to experience pain and discomfort after the procedure. And this is normal because the procedure itself is quite complicated.
On the one hand, it is not that difficult to install an implant with the current level of technology, and in experienced hands the procedure itself takes 10-20 minutes. On the other hand, it is still an intervention in the body, and the role of the “native” tooth root will now be performed by a titanium one.
Any, even a minor surgery is accompanied by changes in the body, and the fact that after it, for a certain period of time the incision site hurts and the gums swell up is understandable. However, if the time has passed and the symptoms remain or increase, it is necessary to visit a doctor urgently.
When Gum Pain after Implantation is Normal
Let’s see what is considered normal after surgery, and when it is worth urgent to consult a doctor:
This is normal, you should not panic:
- Pain in the area of surgery appeared after a few hours. This is the end of the anesthesia.
- The pain is tensive, may throb when bending over, lasts for 2 to 3 days. The pain lasts for 5-7 days at the most.
- The pain gradually decreases and completely disappears 5-7 days after surgery.
- Temperature up to 46°F (38°C) on the first and second day after surgery.
- Sucrose oozes from the wound, the norm for up to 5-7 days.
- The gum swells, the swelling can spread to the cheek, gradually subsides by day 3-4.
Visit your doctor immediately if:
- The pain is not gone after 1-2 weeks, the condition worsens every day, other symptoms join.
- The swelling and redness of the gum in the area of the operation did not go away after 3-4 days, or are increasing.
- Sucrose oozes from the wound for longer than 5-7 days.
- The gum of the operation area and adjacent teeth hurts, the pain is spreading.
- An unpleasant odor appears.
- Pus is secreted from the wound.
- The dental implant has become dislocated.
- Fever persists.
How Long Does the Surgical Site After a Dental Implant Hurt?
Of course, everything is individual. The technique of implantation, the number and model of implants, bone condition, pain threshold – every detail counts. Someone put a tooth implant right after tooth extraction and it was gone the next day. Someone had four artificial roots installed at one time, and the pain and swelling lasted longer than three days. Someone had a bone graft and rehabilitation took two weeks. The main thing is the nature of the discomfort and the accompanying symptoms.
In any case, if you have already had an implant, you should not relax completely. You have to follow the recommendations carefully and be on your guard – inflammation of the tissue around the construction, and its rejection can start even after 10 years of successful use. And then there is no other choice but to remove the artificial tooth. Fortunately such situations are extremely rare.
Prevention is first of all. We are convinced that careful preparation is the key to success in such a demanding procedure as a tooth implant. After all, ideally the artificial teeth should last the rest of their lives and perform all their functions.
Pain and Swelling After Implantation
However, many of those who have decided to have anterior teeth implanted wonder what awaits them afterwards and what to do if there is pain and swelling after the implantation. Remember that no matter how advanced dentistry is, no matter how new techniques are used for the procedure, no matter how expensive and high quality implants are used, the success of the surgery largely depends on how accurately and carefully the patient follows all the doctor’s recommendations.
Prevention
So, what should you do to avoid pain and swelling after dental implants? It is advisable to put ice on it every half hour for 20 minutes, which will help prevent swelling, swelling and bleeding. After implantation, it is normal to feel a little bit of sweat as long as it continues for a few hours after surgery.
If necessary, you can wipe your mouth with a tampon soaked in a solution of salt (1 teaspoon), iodine (4-5 drops) and 1 cup of water. If the blood does not stop, a sterile gauze tampon should be applied to the surgical site and pressed cold for 20 minutes every half hour in a sitting position. And repeat the sessions until the blood stops.
What Else You Should Know
Note that after dental implants, pain and swelling is normal. Swelling of the operated area can build up from a few hours to a few days. Pain is normal after any surgery, to dull it, you need to take painkillers that your doctor will prescribe. You can start taking analgesics an hour and a half after the implantation and repeat every 4-6 hours.
Good oral hygiene will help to speed up healing time and shorten the rehabilitation period after the implantation. However, when brushing your teeth it is very important not to touch the operated area, which is treated with a swab dipped in saline fluid. It is not recommended to eat solid foods after the implantation and you should replace them with mashed and easily chewable foods. Patients can eat hot food after implant surgery only after 24 hours.