Dental implants are one of the most reliable ways to replace a missing tooth, but it is completely normal to wonder how painful the process will be. Many patients picture a long or uncomfortable recovery, yet the reality is usually much easier than expected. With modern planning, local anaesthetic and careful post treatment care, most people are surprised by how manageable dental implant surgery feels from start to finish.
This guide answers the most common questions about dental implant pain, what to eat after dental implant surgery, how to relieve discomfort, and why some dentists suggest avoiding dairy in the early recovery period.
Is a Dental Implant Painful?
The number one question patients ask is whether getting a dental implant is painful. The short answer is no. The procedure itself should not be painful because the area is completely numbed with local anaesthetic. You may feel pressure or gentle vibration, but not sharp pain.
Once the anaesthetic wears off, it is normal to feel some tenderness or mild aching around the implant site. This usually peaks in the first 24 to 48 hours, then settles quickly. Over the counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, is usually enough to keep you comfortable. Many patients describe the recovery as easier than having a tooth removed.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Knowing what will happen during your appointment can ease a lot of the anxiety around pain.
Your Be Dental dentist will take digital scans and plan the placement of your implant before the day of surgery. When you arrive, the area is thoroughly numbed and you will not feel pain during the procedure. If you feel nervous, sedation options can be discussed during your consultation.
The implant itself is placed carefully into the jawbone, and most appointments take less than an hour for a single implant. Once the implant is in position, a healing cap is placed and your post treatment instructions are given.
How to Relieve Pain From a Dental Implant
Mild discomfort after the surgery is expected, but there are several simple ways to make recovery smoother.
Pain relief: Take the medication recommended by your dentist. Staying ahead of discomfort for the first day or two helps the area settle.
Cold packs: A cold pack wrapped in a cloth and placed on the cheek can reduce swelling and ease tenderness.
Soft foods: Eating soft foods for the first few days prevents pressure on the implant site and keeps you comfortable.
Keep your head elevated: Sleeping slightly upright helps reduce swelling overnight.
Rest: Avoid heavy exercise for at least 48 hours so the area can begin healing without extra strain.
If pain becomes stronger instead of settling, or you notice a throbbing feeling, contact your dentist for a review. Persistent or increasing pain is uncommon and should be checked.
What to Eat After Dental Implant Surgery
Eating the right foods makes a noticeable difference in your comfort. Immediately after surgery, choose foods that are soft, cool or room temperature and easy to swallow.
Good options include yoghurt, scrambled eggs, mashed vegetables, pasta, soups, smoothies and oatmeal. For the first week, try to avoid food that is crunchy, very hot or requires strong chewing. It also helps to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
As healing progresses, you can slowly return to your normal diet. Your dentist will guide you based on how your implant site looks at your review appointment.
Why No Dairy After a Dental Implant?
Patients are often told to avoid dairy after dental implant surgery, but the reason is not that dairy affects the healing of the implant itself. The advice is usually about comfort.
Dairy products like milk, yoghurt and cheese can cause nausea in some people when combined with certain pain medications, especially if your stomach is already a bit unsettled after the procedure. If you do feel nauseous, there is a small chance of disturbing the clot around the implant site. For this reason, some dentists recommend avoiding dairy for the first 24 to 48 hours.
After this short period, dairy is safe to reintroduce and can be part of your soft food diet.
When Pain Is Not Normal
Most implant patients recover smoothly, but it is important to know when something is not quite right. Contact your dentist if you notice:
- Pain that becomes worse after day three
- Swelling that continues to increase
- A foul taste in your mouth
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Bleeding that does not settle
These signs do not necessarily mean the implant has failed, but they do need to be assessed promptly so the area can heal properly.
