Got a dental implant and the ache isn’t going away? You’re not alone. Most people feel some soreness after the surgery, but the good news is there are easy ways to calm it down. Below you’ll find the most useful tricks, from what to eat to which meds actually help.
First 24‑48 hours are the toughest. Keep a cold pack on the cheek near the implant for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. The chill cuts swelling and numbs the area without any pills.
Stick to soft foods. Think mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and scrambled eggs. Chewing hard bites can tug at the healing gum and make the pain worse.
Over‑the‑counter painkillers such as ibuprofen (200‑400 mg every 6 hours) or paracetamol work well for most people. Take them with food to protect your stomach. If you have any health conditions, check with your pharmacist first.
Rinse gently with warm salt water a few times a day. Mix a half‑teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish for 30 seconds. This keeps the socket clean and reduces irritation.
Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least a week. Both slow down healing and can turn a mild ache into a bad infection.
After the first week, start brushing the implant area with a soft‑bristled toothbrush. Don’t scrub hard; just keep the surface clean so bacteria can’t build up.
If the soreness doesn’t improve after a few days, or if you notice swelling that gets bigger, a fever, or a pus‑like discharge, call your dentist right away. Those signs can mean an infection that needs prescription antibiotics.
Sometimes the dentist will prescribe a short course of stronger pain meds or a topical gel that you apply directly to the gum. Use exactly as directed – stopping early can bring the pain back.
Make sure you attend the follow‑up appointment. The dentist will check how the implant is integrating with the bone and can spot problems before they get serious.
Finally, keep up good overall oral hygiene. A healthy mouth heals faster. Drink plenty of water, limit sugary drinks, and keep up regular dental check‑ups.
By combining cold packs, soft foods, proper meds, and careful cleaning, most people find their implant pain fades within a week or two. If anything feels off, don’t wait – a quick call to your dentist can save you from bigger issues later.
