Are Dental Implants Painful?

Dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking alternative to traditional dentures or bridges. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth, and – as the only tooth replacement option that replaces the root of the tooth – also prevent bone loss, preserving jaw and facial structures.

Getting a dental implant typically involves a multi-step surgical process, and some parts of that process may cause temporary discomfort. That said, living with missing or broken teeth can also be painful. It’s important to weigh any short-term discomfort you may experience getting dental implants with the long-term pain and health impacts of untreated oral health issues.

Below is a general overview of what to expect during the dental implant process. Please talk to your dentist for specific information about your treatment plan.

Preparing for dental implants

Extractions

In many cases, existing damaged or decayed teeth must be extracted before placing dental implants. This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, which numbs the area to prevent pain during the extraction. If you have significant dental anxiety, ask your dentist or specialist about full sedation or other ways to manage your anxiety.

After tooth extraction, it’s common to experience some pain, swelling, and occasionally bleeding. Pain management usually involves prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers, and following a soft food diet can also help minimize discomfort.

Bone grafts for dental implants.

If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft to support an implant, a bone graft may be required to create a more solid base. Bone grafting involves adding bone or bone-like materials to the socket where a tooth was removed or to an oseotomy site (site prepared for the placement of an implant) within the jaw. The graft material can come from different sources, including the patient’s own body. Most common bone grafting material is an allograft, graft taken from another donor human. This procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia, full sedation is sometimes available if needed. Talk to your dentist if you have anxious or other concerns.

Post-operative discomfort can include swelling, bruising, and pain at the graft site. Pain is typically managed with medications and following careful post-operative care instructions. Recovery times vary, and it takes several months for the graft to create enough new, strong bone to support a dental implant, but any discomfort is typically experienced in the first week or so.

Sinus lifts for dental implants.

A sinus lift is required when there isn’t enough bone height in the upper jaw, or the sinuses are too close to the jaw to properly place a dental implant. The sinus lift procedure involves adding bone material below the sinus in cases where the natural bone has deteriorated due to missing upper back teeth. Performed under local anesthesia, this procedure is more complex and may involve more discomfort during recovery.Post-operative symptoms can include swelling, bleeding, and pain. These symptoms are usually more pronounced than in the standard implant procedure, given the invasiveness of the surgery. Pain management might include prescribed medications, and patients are often advised to avoid certain activities like sneezing or blowing their nose vigorously to prevent complications.

Dental implants initial surgical procedure

The first stage is the surgical placement of the implant into the jawbone. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring that you don’t experience pain during the operation. As mentioned above, for those who are particularly anxious, sedation dentistry might be an option, offering a more relaxed experience.

Once the surgery is completed and the anesthesia wears off, it’s normal for patients to experience some level of discomfort. Common symptoms include swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding around the implant site, along with pain that can range from mild to moderate. Typically, these symptoms are most pronounced in the first few days following surgery and gradually decrease. Pain management during this phase often involves prescribed painkillers or recommended over-the-counter options.

Healing after dental implant surgery

A critical phase in the dental implant process is “osseointegration”, where the implant integrates with the jawbone. This process can take several months but is usually not painful. Some patients report mild discomfort or tenderness during this period, but it’s generally not significant and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Dental implant abutment and crown placement

In some cases, for example getting mini implants to support a lower denture, you may not need an additional procedure after the implants are placed. But dental implants typically do require a two-stage implant process. The second procedure is to attach the abutment, a component that extends above your gums and holds the crown/denture in place. This step usually involves less discomfort than the initial surgery. Once the crown is placed, it might take a short period for to adjust to the feel of the new implant.

Adjusting to dental implants

Adjusting to dental implants is a gradual process. Initially, the implant may feel unfamiliar or slightly uncomfortable in the mouth. However, this sensation typically fades as one becomes accustomed to the implant. Depending on what tooth or teeth were replaced, you may need a little time to become comfortable talking with your new implants – this is just a matter of retraining your tongue. Try reading aloud for 15 or more minutes several times a day to get accustomed to speaking with your new implants.

Pain tolerance levels

Pain tolerance and healing vary among individuals. Factors such as general health, the complexity of the dental issue, and adherence to post-operative care significantly influence the level of discomfort experienced.

Ask your dentist what you should expect during your dental implant treatment. They can provide tailored advice and set realistic expectations based on your individual needs. If you have concerns about pain or how you will manage specific parts of the process, talk to your dentist about your concerns. Personalized guidance is crucial in preparing for and managing any pain associated with dental implants.

Financial pain – paying for dental implants

While the prospect of pain with dental implants can be a concern, it’s generally manageable and temporary. But the cost of the procedure may not be as easy to manage. For a single dental implant, the typical cost is $3,000 to $4,500. A mini implant costs around $1,000-$1,500. All-in-Four complete restorations for a full arch can cost $20,000 to $30,000 per upper or lower plate.

Dental insurance typically does not pay for dental implants. Even if it does, your annual spending cap – the total your dental insurance pays out every year – often is just $1000-$1500, about the cost of one mini-implant. That leaves you with a significant out-of-pocket cost.

Unlike dental insurance, dental savings plans typically do offer discounts on dental implants. Plan members report saving an average of 50% annually on the cost of their dental care. And dental savings plans have no annual spending limit, which is especially important when you’re getting an expensive procedure like implants.

If you’d like help choosing a dental savings plan that offers the biggest discount on dental implants (and/or other dental procedures) give us a call at 1-833-735-0399. We’re DentalPlans.com, the largest dental plan marketplace, with over 25 plans from the most trusted brands in healthcare, accepted by over 70% of U.S. dentists. We make it easy to find your perfect dental savings plan.

Want more details right now? Use our calculator below to see how much you can save on dental implants with a dental savings plan.

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan. 

All cost averages obtained from DentalPlans.com procedure search tool.