“Is it okay to have pain 10 days after implant surgery?”
I had implant surgery 10 days ago. It hurts. Is it okay to have pain 10 days after implant surgery?
3 Answers
Some level of discomfort is normal after implant surgery, but by 10 days post-surgery, pain should typically be mild and steadily improving. If you’re experiencing significant or worsening pain, it could indicate an underlying issue that may need attention. Here are some factors to consider, along with potential next steps:
Possible Causes of Pain After 10 Days
Normal Healing Discomfort
Minor soreness or tenderness around the implant site is common and may last for up to two weeks, especially if the implant involved bone grafting or if multiple implants were placed. However, this pain should feel manageable and decrease over time.
Infection (Peri-Implantitis)
If pain persists or worsens, it could signal an infection, known as peri-implantitis, which is an inflammation around the implant. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, a foul taste, or pus around the implant area.
Improper Healing or Implant Stability Issues
Persistent pain could also result from the implant not integrating with the bone as expected. This can happen if there’s undue stress on the implant site, such as from grinding teeth or if the implant shifts.
Sinus Involvement (for Upper Implants)
For implants placed in the upper jaw, pain may sometimes indicate a sinus-related issue, especially if the implant was close to the sinus cavity. Symptoms could include sinus pressure or discomfort around the nose or cheeks.
What to Do Next
Contact Your Surgeon
Reaching out to your oral surgeon is the best step if you’re still experiencing significant pain. They may want to evaluate the implant site to check for infection or other issues that could be impacting healing.
Continue Gentle Oral Hygiene
Keep the area clean with gentle rinses, such as salt water, to avoid introducing bacteria around the implant. Avoid brushing directly on the implant area if it’s sensitive.
Monitor for Other Symptoms
Take note of any additional symptoms, like swelling, redness, fever, or pus, as these are signs of infection that require prompt attention.
Avoid Chewing on the Implant Side
If you haven’t already, try to avoid chewing on the side where the implant was placed to give it time to stabilize and heal without additional pressure.
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, emphasizes the importance of post-surgical care and timely evaluation if pain persists. Promptly addressing any discomfort ensures a smooth healing process and maximizes the implant’s success.
Possible Causes of Pain After 10 Days
Normal Healing Discomfort
Minor soreness or tenderness around the implant site is common and may last for up to two weeks, especially if the implant involved bone grafting or if multiple implants were placed. However, this pain should feel manageable and decrease over time.
Infection (Peri-Implantitis)
If pain persists or worsens, it could signal an infection, known as peri-implantitis, which is an inflammation around the implant. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, a foul taste, or pus around the implant area.
Improper Healing or Implant Stability Issues
Persistent pain could also result from the implant not integrating with the bone as expected. This can happen if there’s undue stress on the implant site, such as from grinding teeth or if the implant shifts.
Sinus Involvement (for Upper Implants)
For implants placed in the upper jaw, pain may sometimes indicate a sinus-related issue, especially if the implant was close to the sinus cavity. Symptoms could include sinus pressure or discomfort around the nose or cheeks.
What to Do Next
Contact Your Surgeon
Reaching out to your oral surgeon is the best step if you’re still experiencing significant pain. They may want to evaluate the implant site to check for infection or other issues that could be impacting healing.
Continue Gentle Oral Hygiene
Keep the area clean with gentle rinses, such as salt water, to avoid introducing bacteria around the implant. Avoid brushing directly on the implant area if it’s sensitive.
Monitor for Other Symptoms
Take note of any additional symptoms, like swelling, redness, fever, or pus, as these are signs of infection that require prompt attention.
Avoid Chewing on the Implant Side
If you haven’t already, try to avoid chewing on the side where the implant was placed to give it time to stabilize and heal without additional pressure.
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, emphasizes the importance of post-surgical care and timely evaluation if pain persists. Promptly addressing any discomfort ensures a smooth healing process and maximizes the implant’s success.
It is normal to have some degree of discomfort for up to 2 weeks after surgery however if this pain is not slowly decreasing day by day or randomly increases despite no other possible explanation, you should definitely call to speak with your doctor directly as it could be a sign of infection or other complication needing to be addressed promptly.
Not usually. Check with the surgeon!
