How to Relieve Pain After Dental Implant Surgery

Painless Smile after a 3 on 6 Dental Implant Procedure

After any dental implant procedure, it’s common to feel some pain around the implant site during your healing period. The area near the implant site might throb, swell, or feel tender, but it should subside as you heal. Your 3 on 6™ provider will likely recommend a pain management routine, which may include prescription medications, as well as OTC pain medication for the first few days. 

Managing Temporary Pain After Dental Implant Surgery

Deciding on getting dental implants is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking!  After all, you’re replacing those missing teeth with something permanent and natural-looking. It's a big decision, but with the right care, the healing process can be smoother and quicker than you might expect.

While some patients have almost no pain or discomfort after dental implant surgery, most will experience a mild to moderate pain for the first few days. This pain comes from nerve irritation and swelling, both of which are natural side effects.

Typically, ibuprofen or a prescribed painkiller will help as it will reduce inflammation and ease the discomfort near the implant site. But are there more tips on how to relieve pain from dental implant surgery?

Here are some additional relief tips on how to relieve pain from dental implant procedure. 

Ice Pack: A Must for the First 48 Hours

For the first 48 hours after your implant procedure, cold therapy is your go-to. Using an ice pack can help reduce swelling and numb the area where implant is placed, making it feel more manageable. Apply the ice for about 15-20 minutes at a time to the implant area, then 15 minutes resting without ice. Make sure you use a cloth to wrap the ice to avoid skin irritation. Keep alternating between the ice and a rest period to get the most out of the therapy. 

Question: How long does oral surgery and dental implant pain last?

A survey of full-arch dental implant patients found that most patients are without pain after a week. Day 5 post-surgery was reported as the day with the most discomfort, with 53% of patients reporting moderate to severe discomfort on this day.

Fortunately, OTC painkillers are very effective at mitigating the pain for the vast majority of patients. If you are experiencing moderate to severe pain a week after surgery, you may want to contact your dentist.

Salt Water Rinses: Your Natural Pain Relief Solution

One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce inflammation and keep the implant area clean is by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gently roll the water around your mouth near the surgical site several times a day. Saltwater works wonders in reducing bacteria and promoting healing without irritating the area. Just be gentle! Remember not to swish it around too forcefully so you don’t disturb the healing process. 

Question: What if my gums are bleeding? 

A little bleeding is normal in the first 24-48 hours after a dental implant procedure. Your gums are adjusting to the implant, so mild discomfort and bleeding can happen. If bleeding continues, gently bite down on a clean cotton swab or gauze for about 30 minutes to help with clotting.

If the bleeding doesn’t stop or you notice excessive swelling and pain, call your dentist right away. Keeping the area clean is essential for recovery, so follow your post-op care instructions carefully should help. 

Bedtime Hacks: Elevated Sleeping 

Elevating your head while sleeping helps reduce swelling and reduce the fluids and pressures near the surgical sites. You can use extra pillows to keep your head raised. Sleep position is also important. Sleeping on your back is recommended to reduce swelling at the implant surgical sites.

Pain Relievers: For Any Discomfort

You’ve likely heard of ibuprofen, but did you know it’s one of the best options for pain relief and swelling reduction after a dental implant procedure? Dentists widely recommend it for post-surgery dental care, as it’s an easy-to-access over-the-counter medication that can significantly ease discomfort. Always follow your dentist’s guidelines for dosage to make sure you’re managing the pain safely. 

Patient's Question: What if I'm allergic to Ibuprofen?

If you have an allergy to ibuprofen, it’s absolutely essential to inform your dentist. Your doctor will likely recommend an alternative, such as Tylenol, which can help manage pain.

Every patient is different, so your 3 on 6 provider may prescribe pain relief options based on your specific needs and situation. The key is to communicate openly with your provider, ensuring a smooth recovery without any discomfort. 

Soft Foods: Essential for a Smooth Recovery

You’ll want to avoid anything too hard, crunchy, or sticky right after the procedure. For the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soup. Soft foods won’t put unnecessary pressure on the implant site, allowing it to heal effectively without irritation. Plus, these foods are easy on your mouth and won't cause you any discomfort.

We've created a list of what soft foods to eat with temps to help you out! Don't worry, your dentist will let you know when you can begin to introduce other foods to your diet.

Using Heat: Managing Pain and Reducing Inflammation

After the initial swelling has gone down, you might experience some lingering inflammation. 48 hours after surgery, your dentist may allow you to use heat therapy. A warm compress can be applied gently to the implant site to help increase blood flow and reduce inflammation.

Just like with cold therapy, don’t leave it on for too long—15-20 minutes should do the trick. Warm therapy is especially helpful when you want to ease those last bits of discomfort. 

Question: Does my pain mean my implant is failing?  

It’s normal to feel anxious right after your procedure. Implant failure is rare, and your expert 3 on 6™ dentist is here for you. Pain is not always a sign of an implant failing. The main concerns for implant failure are usually infection or inflammation, but sticking to aftercare instructions will help minimize those risks. 

If something doesn’t feel right or you're getting persistent pain, don’t hesitate to reach out. A follow-up X-ray or examination can help determine if an implant isn’t healing properly. Many 3 on 6 dental implant providers also offer a guarantee to replace any implant for free if it fails to heal properly within the first year. 

Avoid Smoking: Don't Disrupt Your Healing

During recovery, avoid smoking, vaping, and tobacco-related products. These can irritate the implant site and delay or even reverse the healing process. Smoking can reduce blood flow, making it harder for your body to heal.

While you should consider quitting these habits entirely for your oral health and overall health, you definitely need to avoid these activities during the first 3 months after implant surgery. 

Stay Hydrated: Water Is Crucial

Drinking plenty of water is essential during your recovery process. Staying hydrated supports your body’s natural healing process and helps maintain good oral hygiene. Keep a bottle of water nearby, especially during the first few days.

Be sure to avoid using straws during the first few months after surgery. The forces from suction through a straw can disturb the healing sites and prolong your recovery. Also, be cautious about what you drink; stick to plain water and avoid sugary or acidic beverages that can irritate your implant area. 

Monitor Your Healing: When to Contact Your Dentist

While some discomfort is expected, always monitor your healing process closely. If the pain after a dental implant surgery worsens after a few days or if the swelling doesn’t subside, it may indicate an issue such as an infection or improper healing. Inflammation that doesn’t subside or throbbing pain in the implant area might be a sign that something’s wrong. If you're experiencing abnormal pain, contact your nearest 3 on 6 provider. 

Healing Your Smile Faster 

Recovering from your 3 on 6 dental implant procedure doesn’t have to be hard. Follow your dentist's aftercare instructions, and use these simple pain-relief tips. Stick to soft foods, rinse your implant area with saltwater, and take your prescribed meds to reduce pain and swelling.

If you are concerned about your healing process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dental provider. For a list of products that can help support your healing, check out our full 3 on 6 product list.