What Hurts More – Tooth Extraction Or Dental Implant?
Many people in Bradford would like to get dental implants, but worry about the pain they could cause. But how painful are they really? Understanding what your procedure involves, and framing it against another common procedure, can help you feel more informed and prepared for your treatment. This blog will compare implants to another common dental procedure – tooth extraction.
What To Expect From A Tooth Extraction
Nobody wants to have a tooth extracted, but unfortunately, sometimes it is necessary. Common examples where tooth extractions might be needed include impacted wisdom teeth, or if the tooth is too damaged or decayed to be saved with a filling or root canal.
Tooth extractions can either be simple or surgical.
In a simple extraction, our dental team will give you a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, and then use special instruments to loosen the tooth from its socket.
Surgical extractions can occur in more complex situations, such as if the tooth is impacted or severely damaged at or below the gum line.
Before you have a tooth extracted, our dentists will look at the tooth and the surrounding tissues to decide which you need.
Will Tooth Extraction Hurt?
It is normal to experience some pain or discomfort during and after a tooth extraction. Compared with other dental procedures, extractions are often a little more aggressive by their nature – dentists often need to wiggle the tooth back and forth to loosen it, and apply pressure to remove the root.
The painfulness of the procedure depends on several factors:
- Whether the tooth is at the front or the back of your mouth
- The shape and size of the tooth
- Infection and inflammation around the tooth and gum
- The condition of your other teeth
- Your personal pain threshold and anxiety
An extraction will leave an open socket. After your tooth has been taken out, our dental team will tell you how to care for the socket so that it does not get infected and heals quickly.
After you have had a tooth extracted, it is normal to experience some discomfort, including:
- Pain at the extraction site
- Swelling and bruising
- Difficulty eating some foods
- Bleeding
These symptoms should subside in a few days to a week. However, if you continue experiencing pain for a lengthy period, or it gets worse, please contact us for an appointment.
What To Expect From Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-lasting way to replace missing teeth. They are frequently recommended for patients who have one or more missing teeth and are seeking a long-lasting solution. At Pearl Dental, our team of experienced dental professionals will ensure that pain is minimised and that your new tooth will look and feel completely natural.
Dental implants are carried out under local anaesthetic. During the procedure, a titanium post is placed into the jawbone. This acts as an artificial root which will support your new replacement tooth.
There are three components in a dental implant – the titanium post, the abutment (which will support the tooth) and the crown – this is usually fitted after the bone has healed, although it is sometimes possible to fit them on the same day.
Do Dental Implants Hurt More Than Tooth Extraction?
The short answer is no. A study published in the International Journal of Dentistry found that the dental implant procedure is less unpleasant than tooth extraction. The recovery time is also quicker, with fewer limitations on daily activities in the days following the procedure. This is because the extraction process impacts more nerves and soft tissues than an implant.
Implants are usually more controlled than extractions – the area will be stitched up, with the implant safely below the surface. Instead of just pulling out a tooth, our implant surgeons will be inserting a small post in a way that has been thoroughly mapped out ahead of time to minimise discomfort.
Additionally, there won’t be an open socket left behind – meaning there is less of a risk of infection or food particles getting stuck.
However, whether you are having an implant or an extraction, our friendly dental team will check that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. If you are having multiple implants fitted or have dental anxiety, we may also offer you conscious sedation. This will keep you calm and relaxed, while also remaining awake and responsive.
Why Is Implant Recovery Easier?
- Implants heal under the surface
When a tooth is pulled out, you are left with an open socket, which needs to heal and close on its own. This socket will be exposed to air and food particles for several days, and will require special care to prevent infection.
In contrast, a dental implant is placed below the surface of the gumline, and closed over with stitches or contoured tissue. This creates a secure environment for the implant to heal. As the area is not exposed, there’s less risk of inflammation, and many patients say the experience is less uncomfortable overall.
- Less risk of irritated nerves
When a tooth is extracted, it can affect the surrounding nerves and make them agitated. This is why you might feel throbbing around the extraction site for several days. However, with dental implants, you are adding the implant into a carefully prepared space, rather than taking anything out. The structure added by the implant can also promote faster healing.
- Controlled placement
Having a tooth extracted is usually an unplanned procedure which has to be carried out within a few days of making an appointment. While our dental team will support you through the procedure, there is often little time to plan, especially if the appointment is urgent.
When you have dental implants, everything is mapped out in advance. Our dental team will have created a 3D scan of your mouth for the implant dentist to follow, so that your implants are placed in exactly the right position, and the procedure can be carried out in a way that keeps you comfortable throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the pain last after a dental implant?
Usually, pain only lasts 2-3 days after an implant is placed. Pain from dental implants can usually be treated with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. If it persists after 2-3 days or gets worse, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Can I go back to work the day after an implant?
Most people can go back to work the next day. However, if you work a physically demanding job, we might recommend a day off.
Will I need a general anaesthetic?
Most implants only need local anaesthetic. However, if you are having several implants or have dental anxiety, we do offer sedation as an option.
Can dental implants cause long-term pain issues?
If you look after your implants well and they are in a good position, they won’t cause any long-term pain. However, if the pain persists several weeks after they’ve been placed, please contact us.
How can I manage pain after having an implant placed?
Please use the pain relief prescribed by your dentist, and stick to soft food for the first few days after your implant. The NHS also recommends using ice packs to ease pain and swelling in the first few hours after your implant.