What to do if your dental implants are painful

Immediate loading implantology procedures are becoming less and less invasive, so recovery is much faster and practically painless. This is why we can now say that dental implants do not have to cause pain, either during or after placement.

But it is clear that this statement cannot be generalized to all patients. To begin with, the complexity of the intervention has an influence; one implant is not the same as six.

Postoperative pain, the pain that can be felt once the anesthetic wears off, is very individual and subjective. It depends on factors such as previous experience of pain, pain threshold, state of mind… The professional who carries out the treatment will have to indicate an appropriate guideline for each patient and type of surgery, so that the days following the operation pass as smoothly as possible.

Although, we insist, it is true that a surgical intervention with dental implants should be completely painless, sometimes and for various reasons the patient may experience some uncomfortable sensation of discomfort, due to previous infections or the decrease of the analgesic effect. If we foresee any of these circumstances or that the surgery may last more than 75 minutes, we also recommend intravenous sedation. With this we achieve that the patient does not feel anything during the intervention, and also will be calm and relaxed.

If the pain occurs in the days or months following surgery, then other causes should be considered.

What discomfort can be considered normal?

As we have mentioned, current interventions are minimally invasive: the incision in the gum is sometimes non-existent, so there is very little inflammation or bleeding. The symptoms that may appear and that would be considered normal are:

• A slight inflammation. If this happens, apply cold to the outside of the face, in the area where the implant is located.
• If the inflammation causes discomfort, an anti-inflammatory or analgesic should be sufficient, but always prescribed by your professional and prescribed in the correct way.
• Slight bleeding within 48 hours after surgery. Apply gauze with light pressure on the gum until the bleeding stops. Amchafibrin can be applied on the gauze (the pharmacy will be able to advise you).
• In some cases, fever or febrile fever may also appear within 72 hours after surgery. You can take a paracetamol, and the fever should subside within 24 hours.

What symptoms are not considered normal?

In some cases, symptoms may appear that are not usual in implantology interventions. If you have any of these symptoms, see your dentist or ask for a second opinion.

• The implant bleeds excessively, and the bleeding cannot or is difficult to stop.
• Fever does not subside in one day, even with the administration of an antipyretic.
• The pain is unbearable, prevents or hinders us from sleeping or performing our usual tasks.
• The implant moves.
• The gum around the implant retracts, bleeds or shows a white or yellowish coloration, different from the usual one.
• Months have passed since the intervention and the implant, once the prosthetic cover or crown is in place, causes discomfort, especially when biting on the area.

In case of these or similar symptoms, our recommendation is that you go immediately to your dentist or other trusted professional specialist in the field of implantology.

Why does this happen?

There are several causes that can lead to complications, although most of them are easily foreseeable or avoidable. To give an example, in our clinic we have an immediate loading implant success rate of 98.6%, which means that only 1.4% are likely to cause problems. But what should be taken into account?

• Some diseases, such as diabetes or periodontitis, can affect the success of the implant. It is very important that your dentist gives you a thorough check-up and has all the information regarding your health. Bone metabolism problems will also have to be considered, such as low vitamin D levels in the blood or medications such as bisphosphonates.
• People have different sensitivity thresholds. This should be taken into account when assessing the pain that we feel is caused by the implant.
• Quality is also important. Ask your dentist to explain the implant materials and give you manufacturer’s references.
• It should not be forgotten that the experience and skill of the specialist performing the intervention also have a decisive influence on the outcome.

In addition, to ensure that your procedure is a success, we recommend that you follow these tips on how to care for your dental implants during the postoperative period.

Above all, if you have any doubts or unexpected symptoms, consult your dentist immediately. And if you have any doubts or if you can’t get your discomfort to go away, stop by the Ahoa Clinic in Barcelona, Gran Vía de las Cortes Catalanas, 620, and we will help you to put an end to your problem.