--- title: "Are Dental Implants Painful? What To Expect After Surgery" description: "Are dental implants painful? One peer-reviewed study of 137 patients tracked pain at three time points. See the numbers and what your dentist can explain." url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/are-dental-implants-painful publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- # Are Dental Implants Painful? What To Expect After Surgery Most people report mild pain after dental implant surgery. In one study of 137 patients, pain was highest 24 hours after the operation and lower again by 72 hours. Some patients still had moderate or severe pain. Your dentist will talk with you about comfort options and what to expect. RestorativePublished October 26, 20264 min read ## Are dental implants painful? Most patients in the research below reported mild pain, not none and not severe. A peer-reviewed study followed 137 patients who had dental implants. Its conclusion was that the pain degree of most patients after implantation is mild, and the most obvious pain comes 24 hours after the operation. That is one study, and it is not a promise about your own experience. Some patients in it had moderate or severe pain. Your dentist will talk with you about numbing, comfort options, and what to expect before surgery. ## What did the study find about pain over time? The researchers asked patients to rate pain on a 0 to 10 scale right after surgery, at 24 hours, and at 72 hours. A score of 1 to 3 counted as mild, 4 to 6 as moderate, and 7 to 10 as severe. The table shows the share of patients in each group. When No pain Mild Moderate Severe Right after surgery 81.75% 12.41% 4.24% 0.73% 24 hours later 49.64% 35.77% 11.68% 2.92% 72 hours later 63.50% 25.55% 9.49% 1.46% Average scores followed the same curve: 0.57 right after surgery, 2.16 at 24 hours, and 0.37 at 72 hours. The study found the pain at 24 hours was more serious than right after surgery and at 72 hours. The study does not explain why, so we cannot give a reason. ## Why can pain show up the day after surgery? Implant surgery places a titanium post in the jawbone. The ADA says implants are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. The surgery still makes a wound in the gum and bone, and soreness is a common result. In the study, it was strongest at 24 hours. Numbing medicine works during the visit and wears off afterward. Ask your dentist before surgery what to expect once the numbness fades, so you are not caught off guard. ## What makes pain more or less likely? The study looked at several factors. It found that the length of surgery and whether the patient took pain medicine after the operation were linked to pain at 24 hours. In its words, the use of postoperative analgesics can effectively relieve the pain of patients, and a long duration of surgery is one of the key factors behind postoperative pain. The number of implants placed was also linked to pain at 24 hours in the first stage of the analysis. Use this as general context. It does not tell you which medicine to take. Your dentist knows your health history and will tell you what fits you. ## How strong is this evidence? It is useful, but it has limits. The study covered 137 patients who had implants between June 2018 and December 2019. After surgery, the patients decided for themselves whether to take pain medicine. The researchers did not assign it. A single study cannot show what will happen to one person. Read the numbers as a range of experiences. Many patients had little or no pain, and some had more. Ask your dentist how your case compares, including how many implants are planned and how long the surgery may take. ## What can I do about dental anxiety before surgery? Fear of pain is common. It helps to ask questions early. Ask how the area will be numbed, how long the visit may take, and what you can take afterward. Write the answers down. The ADA says nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is one option your dentist may offer to help make you more comfortable during certain procedures. Town Center Dental’s [sedation dentistry](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/sedation-dentistry) page describes the office’s own nitrous oxide approach. Learn how [nitrous oxide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/nitrous-oxide-laughing-gas) works in our glossary, and how a [local anesthetic](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/local-anesthetic) numbs the area. ## How can I get ready for a calmer visit? A little planning can lower worry. Try these steps: 1. Ask your dentist to explain each step in plain words. 2. Ask how the area will be numbed and how long the visit will last. 3. Ask what to expect on the first night and the next day. 4. Plan a quiet day after surgery, with soft, cool foods at home. The ADA says your dentist may recommend soft foods, cold foods, and warm soup while you heal. 5. Keep the office number handy in case you have questions. Tell your dentist about every medicine you take and every health condition you have. The ADA says chronic illnesses such as diabetes or leukemia may interfere with healing after surgery, and that using tobacco can slow healing. Your dentist uses this information to plan your care. ## When is pain a sign of a problem? Mild soreness that fades is expected. Pain that grows after the first days, swelling that spreads, a fever, or a loose implant needs a call to your dentist. Go to an emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. Pain can also come months or years later. In that case, ask your dentist to look at the gum and bone around the implant. Our post on [implant recovery](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/dental-implant-recovery-timeline) shows what the timeline looks like, and the [dental implants guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-implants-guide) covers risks and aftercare. ## What happens as the implant heals? After the first days, soreness fades. The implant then needs time to bond with the jaw in a process called [osseointegration](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/osseointegration). During that stage, you may feel little. Keep your check-ups so your dentist can see how healing is going. ## Next step If you are thinking about an implant and worry about pain, bring your questions. Read the office’s own description on our [dental implant](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-implant) page. Then call Town Center Dental at (636) 273-5866 or [request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment). Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are dental implants painful? Most patients in one peer-reviewed study of 137 people reported mild pain after implant surgery. Pain was highest about 24 hours after the operation. A small share reported severe pain. Your dentist will talk with you about numbing, comfort options, and what to expect for your case. ### How long does pain last after implant surgery? In the study described here, pain scores peaked at 24 hours and were lower again at 72 hours. Healing differs from person to person. Call your dentist if pain grows after the first days instead of fading. ### What helps with pain after an implant? The study found that taking pain medicine after surgery was linked to less pain 24 hours later. Ask your dentist which medicine fits your health and how to take it. Follow the written instructions you receive. ### Does a long surgery mean more pain? In the same study, a longer surgery time was one of the key factors linked to pain after the operation. The number of implants was also linked to pain at 24 hours. Your dentist can explain how long your visit may take. ## Terms on this page - [Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/nitrous-oxide-laughing-gas) - [Numbing (dental numbness)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/numbing-dental-numbness) - [Local anesthetic](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/local-anesthetic) - [Osseointegration](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/osseointegration) - [Dental anxiety](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-anxiety) - [Dental implant](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-implant) - [Titanium](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/titanium) - [Jawbone](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/jawbone) ## Sources 1. [PMC (peer reviewed): Investigation and analysis of pain after dental implantation and its influencing factors](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8581909/) 2. [PMC (peer reviewed): Investigation and analysis of pain after dental implantation and its influencing factors](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8581909/) 3. [PMC (peer reviewed): Investigation and analysis of pain after dental implantation and its influencing factors](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8581909/) 4. [PMC (peer reviewed): Investigation and analysis of pain after dental implantation and its influencing factors](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8581909/) 5. [PMC (peer reviewed): Investigation and analysis of pain after dental implantation and its influencing factors](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8581909/) 6. [PMC (peer reviewed): Investigation and analysis of pain after dental implantation and its influencing factors](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8581909/) 7. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Nitrous Oxide - Laughing Gas](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/nitrous-oxide) 8. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Implants](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/implants) 9. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Implants](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/implants) 10. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Implants](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/implants) 11. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Implants](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/implants) 12. [MedlinePlus (NIH): Ludwig angina](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001047.htm) Written by Town Center Dental and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Dental guidance changes, so check the linked page, and ask your dentist about your own care. ## Keep reading - [Dental implants: steps, timeline, recovery and risksA dental implant is a post that replaces a tooth root, topped with a crown, bridge or denture. Cleveland Clinic says bone takes about three to nine months to fuse with it. Implants usually last longer than dentures that rest on the gums. Your dentist decides if you are a candidate.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-implants-guide) - [Dental Implant Recovery Timeline: What Happens and WhenDental implant recovery happens in stages. The first days after surgery bring the most soreness. The bone then grows around the implant, which the ADA says can take up to several months. The AAP gives a range of two to six months. Your dentist sets your own timeline.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/dental-implant-recovery-timeline) - [Dental crowns: types, lifespan and what to expectA dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a weak, broken or worn tooth. Cleveland Clinic gives an average lifespan of five to 15 years. Metal, porcelain and resin crowns differ in look and wear. Most crowns take two visits, and your dentist numbs the tooth first.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-crowns-guide) - [Missing tooth: implant, bridge or partial denture?Three common ways to replace one missing tooth are an implant, a bridge and a partial denture. An implant replaces the root and does not use neighbor teeth. A bridge is fixed to the teeth beside the gap. A partial denture is removable. Your dentist helps you choose after an exam.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/replacing-a-missing-tooth) - [How Long Does Dental Numbing Last After a Visit?Cleveland Clinic says local anesthetics can last from 30 minutes to 12 hours or more, depending on the area, dose, type, and additives. Your dentist can tell you when to expect yours to wear off. Call the office if numbness lasts longer than expected.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/how-long-does-dental-numbing-last) - [Bone grafts and sinus lifts for dental implantsYou may need a bone graft if your jawbone is too thin or soft to hold an implant. Cleveland Clinic says initial recovery takes about a week, the graft needs at least three months to heal, and a large graft can take nine to 12 months. A sinus lift adds bone in the upper back jaw.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/bone-grafts-and-sinus-lifts) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)