An Aspen Dental doctor consults with an Implants patient.

Are dental implants painful?

Would you believe that dental implants often hurt less than getting a tooth pulled? The fear of pain can keep you from making the best decision for replacing missing teeth so we’re here to debunk the myth of dental implant pain. 

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Do dental implants hurt?

Dental implant technology has come a long way in recent years—and at Aspen Dental, our care teams are leading the way in providing you with a comfortable experience before, during and after your procedure. Keep in mind: the road to implants is a journey, from your first consultation to your healing period. It’s important to understand the whole picture. 

Understanding the process

Dental implants are a long-lasting and clinically-recommended solution for replacing missing teeth. The procedure involves three main stages. 

Consultation and planning

First, we examine your jawbone health or volume, overall dental health, and discuss your expectations to see if you’re eligible for dental implants. 

Implant placement

Next, if dental implants are the right option for you, we’ll start the implant process by surgically placing a titanium implant post into your jawbone. This provides a strong foundation for your replacement teeth.  

Healing and restoration

Once the healing is complete, a customized crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant for a natural-looking and functional tooth replacement. 

Implant pain: let’s talk about it

Let’s get back to the question: Are dental implants painful? Everyone is different so the level of pain during and after the procedure can vary. That said, most patients have only mild discomfort because we make every effort to make sure you’re as comfortable as we can throughout the process.   

How painful are dental implants during your procedure? 

Many of our patients are awake during the procedure and have found it easy to get through it with just local anesthesia used to numb the area being treated. You also have the option for sedation dentistry, to give you an even more relaxed and stress-free experience.  

How painful are dental implants during recovery?

Most patients find that the pain and discomfort is temporary, can be managed with over-the-counter medications, and that it goes away within a few days. Mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising is a normal part of the dental implant healing process. 

Our commitment to your comfort

At Aspen Dental, we prioritize your comfort throughout the entire dental implant process. Our skilled and compassionate team of dental professionals will take the time to address any concerns you may have and provide guidance on pain management techniques. It’s crucial to follow our post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. 

What impacts how painful dental implants treatments are?  

Any discomfort you might feel from dental implant treatments may be caused by a variety of factors. 

How complex your case is
Bone quality and density

See if dental implants are right for you

Ready to regain your confidence with dental implants? Schedule a consultation with our experienced dental implant team today. We can guide you through the process and discuss dental implant pain concerns with you. With proper anesthesia and the right post-operative care, any dental implant pain is minimal and manageable. 

Please note that pain tolerance and recovery times may vary between individuals. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. Consult with our dental team for personalized recommendations based on your specific situation.