The degree of pain you feel after getting dental implants depends partly on how many you got. While the procedure itself should be painless because it is done with an anesthetic, you might feel soreness afterwards as the anesthetic wears off. However, people who get only a single implant often report no pain at all, and should there be any is generally mild and lasts only a couple of days.
Multiple implants might result in more pain and some swelling for several days, but even this is generally controlled with over-the-counter painkillers. If you are in a lot of discomfort or pain, you should speak to your dentist.
Post-Dental Implant Procedure Care
Your dentist will probably give you some instructions about how to treat the implants in the first few days after surgery. If you can avoid chewing at the surgical site or irritating it in any way, this will aid in healing. Your dentist might give you gauze to bite on in the first few hours after the surgery and mouthwash to use for cleaning. The implant should be cleaned gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
You should avoid hot liquids and smoking in the first couple of days after getting the dental implant. You should also eat soft foods, and this might be necessary for anywhere from a few days to up to two weeks after the surgery.
There are no particular long-term lifestyle restrictions associated with implants. In fact, one of the advantages of implants is that once the implant has grafted onto the bone, food can be chewed just as if the implant is a regular tooth. If you quit smoking, the implants will last longer. However, no implants will last forever, and even non-smokers will eventually need replacements, with wear and tear.
Sources:
Dental Implant Surgery. Colgate.
Dental Implant Pain. Tooth-Pain-Relief.com.
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