Dental implants are prosthetic replacements for natural teeth that are indistinguishable from those natural teeth in terms of functionality and look. You probably don't need much further convincing when it comes to the clear benefits of dental implants, but if you're a candidate for the procedure, you might be wondering if there's going to be a downside. Given the fact that the dental implant procedure is, in fact, a surgical procedure (albeit a minor one), you're likely to be wondering if it will hurt at all.

Some Minor Discomfort Is to Be Expected

It's an overstatement to say that dental implants are actually painful, but it's surgery, so some minor discomfort is to be expected. It's nothing that will be particularly difficult to cope with, and it should subside fairly quickly. Pain management is obviously essential, both during and after the dental implant surgery, and this will prevent your discomfort from escalating into anything more serious.

Anesthetic Options for the Procedure

The actual implant surgery can be conducted under a general anaesthetic (where you're sedated) or under a local anaesthetic (where your jaw is numbed). Your dentist will suggest the best possible anesthetic in your circumstances, but if you're especially concerned about the process, you can request sedation. This sedation will either be administered orally or intravenously (via an injection). 

Immediately Following the Procedure

There will not be any pain immediately following the procedure, as the anaesthetic will have been administered in sufficient quantity to manage any pain. As it wears off, you will notice some discomfort around the site of the implant. Your dentist will recommend an appropriate means to manage the pain yourself. Pain relief might be prescribed, or it could be that an over-the-counter painkiller (such as ibuprofen) will be more than adequate.

In the Weeks and Months to Come

This is likely to be the extent of the timeframe in which you might experience discomfort. In the weeks and months to come, your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to check the progress of the implant. If you begin to experience any unexpected discomfort, contact your dentist immediately. Although it's rare, your dentist will need to rule out any nerve damage or infection around the implant site and to treat these issues as needed. 

Pain after a dental implant is unlikely, but some minor discomfort is to be expected, and this will need to be appropriately managed.