Dental implant surgery is a common procedure to replace missing teeth, but it often comes with a period of discomfort and pain. Are you worried about how to manage pain after dental implant surgery? If this is the case, implementing the right pain management techniques will greatly enhance your healing process.
Aside from pain relief, knowing how much dental implants cost will help you understand the value of investing in oral health to regain a perfect smile. It also makes sure you’re ready for any additional treatments or follow-ups that may be necessary.
Methods for Pain Management After Dental Implant Surgery
Following are the methods used to reduce pain after the implant surgery.
Application of An Ice Pack
You can apply a cold compress to relieve pain and diminish swelling after the dental implant. Don’t apply the ice pack directly, instead use a towel to wrap the ice pack and then apply it near the jaw area for 10-20 minutes. You can use this method various times in a day after the first few days of surgery.
Soft Foods Diet
After the surgery, you have to eat soft food that does not require a lot of chewing. For hard food, you have to chew and apply pressure on the jaw, especially on the implant site. This pressure leads to the displacement of the implant. In addition, also avoid spicy foods as it can lead to more swelling and irritation.
Take Prescribed Medication
To reduce pain and inflammation, dentists often recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines similar to ibuprofen. However, make sure not to take it by yourself without the dentist’s consent as each person requires specific drugs and dosages. You have to follow the dentist’s instructions and take medications according to him, otherwise, it may cause serious issues.
Perform this process many times a day and don’t do vigorous swishing as it can upset the stitches.
Clean around the Implant Site
Take a soft-bristled brush and gently rub it near the surgery site without applying force. Avoid aggressive brushing and toothpaste that irritate. In addition, also avoid alcohol-containing mouthwash, drinking alcohol, and smoking. These things slow down the process of healing and cause serious complications.
Wash with Salt Water
Washing your mouth with salt water can help relieve the pain and remove germs from the surgical area. Disinfecting the implant area cannot only help in managing pain but also facilitate early recovery. To make salt water, take 1 teaspoon of salt and dissolve it in one cup of warm water. Now gently swish it around the mouth for 30 seconds and then spit it out.
Take Rest and Sleep With a Raised Head
You should take a lot of rest in the initial postoperative days which is necessary for the healing process. Another important thing to keep in mind after the implant is to keep your head a little elevated or raised while sleeping. This allows for continuous blood flow while minimizing pressure on the area. In addition, sit in a relaxed position that would not put a strain on the mouth.
Causes of Pain in Dental Implants
The pain after the implant surgery can be caused by various things. The following are a few reasons:
- If you don’t keep your mouth clean and practice good hygiene, the surgical area becomes prone to infections which causes pain.
- Swelling of the implanted area also leads to pain.
- Applying pressure on the implant area by grinding your teeth will ultimately lead to pain.
- If any mistake is made during the surgery and the implant is placed at the wrong angle or nerve damage occurs, you have to suffer a lot of pain.
- You may be allergic to the materials used in the implant which will cause irritation, swelling, and pain.
Except for these things, your health has a huge impact on how much you have to suffer from pain.
Precautions for Pain Management
- Avoid Smoking
- Refrain from drinking Alcohol and caffeine
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Take pain management medications
- Consume soft and nutritious food
Final Thoughts
You can bring back your missing teeth with the help of dental implant surgery but it comes with post-operative outcomes that can be painful. If you want to get rid of the pain as soon as possible, follow our methods of pain management after the surgery and take precautionary measures. Knowing the reasons for pain is also crucial in dealing with it since it reveals the underlying causes and their consequences.
FAQs
How to reduce the pain after dental implants?
Using a cold compress, taking proper medications, washing your mouth with salt water, and keeping your implant site clean are effective ways to reduce pain.
How long does it take for a dental implant procedure to complete?
It takes 3 to 6 months depending on the patients’ health and diet.
What to do to reduce swelling after the procedure?
Applying ice packs to the jaw area for 10 to 20 minutes several times a day can help reduce the inflammation.
How long does the pain last after dental implant surgery?
Although the discomfort lasts for around ten days, it can be reduced by using pain management techniques.
