You’ve recently taken the plunge and replaced a lost tooth with a dental implant. You were expecting some soreness, but after several days you’re still in intense pain. Should you be worried? Is dental implant pain normal? Continue reading to find out.
How Much Pain Is Normal?
As with most oral procedures, the process of getting dental implants comes with some discomforts, such as swelling, soreness, and minor bleeding. Your implant dentist will likely give you prescription painkillers to remedy the situation, but if that’s not enough, you should call your dentist right away, as something may not be right.
What Are the Signs That Something Is Wrong?
If your normal soreness or swelling doesn’t fade or even gets worse, that’s a sign of an underlying issue. You’re going to want to contact your dentist right away. According to the American Dental Association, persistent pain after the placement of dental implants might mean that the nerve running underneath the teeth has been damaged. If it hurts to touch the area, or you have an unpleasant feeling in your lips, you’ll want to get checked out by your dentist immediately.
Another complication with implants is known as peri-implantitis, or a form of gum disease. because of bacterial buildup in and around the gums, the area surrounding the implant becomes inflamed, causing severe pain and discomfort. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, or they are red, painful, or tender, you might have peri-implantitis.
How Can Your Implant Dentist Treat the Issue?
If you have severe nerve pain immediately following dental implant placement, you’re going to want to contact your dentist right away. You have a high chance of not causing serious damage if you see a professional within 36 hours of placement. If your dentist confirms that it is nerve damage, he or she will remove the implant and likely prescribe anti-inflammatory medicine and allow the nerve ample time to heal.
Peri-implantitis can be treated by increasing your oral hygiene regimen and having your dentist clean the site of the implant. In some serious cases, your dentist may be required to remove the implant and allow the gums to heal before replacing it, or finding a different method of tooth replacement altogether.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth, but they do come with a few risks. To improve your chances of having a successful implant, follow your dentist’s instruction diligently.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Byars earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Dentistry. Following that, Dr. Byars completed a year-long residency in general dentistry with a focus on cosmetic and implant procedures. If you suspect you have a problem with your dental implant, or you would like to replace your missing teeth in Kansas City, contact Dr. Byars here or call (816) 781-8222.