The loss of one or more teeth can be a traumatic experience, causing problems with speech, eating, and the aesthetics of your smile. However, dental implants enable the restoration of full dental functions and smile aesthetics. They provide a more natural tooth replacement option compared to other methods. Unlike dental bridges and dentures, dental implants are fixed into the jawbone and replace the natural tooth root.

A dental implant looks and feels like a natural tooth, allowing patients to eat their favorite foods again, smile confidently, and achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they deserve.

In this week’s Dental Center 4Smile blog, we answer the question that is often crucial in deciding to get dental implants: Is dental implant placement painful?

The dental implant placement procedure

Before answering the main question of whether dental implant placement is painful, we will describe the dental implantation procedure.

The dental implant placement procedure depends on the patient’s condition. It involves several phases over a few months to ensure the success of the implantation process.

In a simple, basic scenario where there is enough bone height and width, the second of anesthesia injection around the gums where the dental implant will be placed will be all you feel during the procedure. It is not necessary to anesthetize half of the jaw for a single dental implant placement, just the area where the dental implant will be installed.

The bone (which no longer has a tooth nerve because the tooth was previously removed or fell out) will not feel anything; all you will feel is pressure when the dental implant is placed in the bone.

For expert dentists like our Dr. Antolković, in conditions of good bone quality, the dental implantation takes from 10 to 20 minutes per dental implant from start to finish.

With good CBCT scanning and diagnosis, the dental implant will be placed without issues. Each expert who installs dental implants follows their own protocol. What is most important is good preparation and planning for dental implant placement.

Is dental implant placement painful?

So, finally, to answer the key question. We did not seek the answer from Dr. Antolković but from his patients.

100% of surveyed patients with healthy jawbone state that they did not feel any pain during dental implant placement. The only thing felt is the first second of the needle prick from the anesthesia and later slight pressure during dental implant placement. No pain at all.

What discomforts are possible after dental implant placement?

After the dental implant placement procedure, dentist Ivan Antolković in Zagreb, Europe, always prescribes antibiotics and anti-inflammatory analgesics. Antibiotics are prescribed to avoid any infections if something (food, bacteria) enters the area where the implant is placed, and anti-inflammatory analgesics to reduce swelling after the placement.

It should not be forgotten that although it is not painful, the dental implant placement process falls under oral surgical procedures and, like any surgical procedure, has its healing process.

The first three days after dental implant placement, it is possible to have swollen cheeks, depending on which side the placement was done and the number of dental implants. Often, on the third day after dental implant placement, there might be more swelling, which is completely normal.

After the third day, with regular intake of antibiotics (always finish the antibiotic course!) and analgesics and cooling of the swollen area, the swelling disappears.

It is important to note that swelling is not always present; some patients do not even have it.

When placing a larger number of dental implants, slight bruises may appear due to the greater pressure on the jawbone. It is slightly uncomfortable to look at but not painful or concerning. It disappears within a few days after dental implant placement.

Can I go to work the day after dental implant placement?

90% of patients continue with their normal life and obligations the day after dental implant placement.

10% of patients, who are generally more sensitive or do not want to be seen with slight swellings or bruises, take from 1 to 4 days off.

Read all about dental implants in our blog: IMPLANTATION OF DENTAL IMPLANTS: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE, DOES IT HURT, WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER DENTAL IMPLANTATION…