One of the most common questions we hear at our office is: “Do dental implants hurt?” If you’re thinking about getting an implant, it’s completely normal to have concerns about discomfort or recovery. At Restorative and Implant Dentistry, our goal is to make your experience comfortable, informed, and stress-free—from consultation to final results.

Whether you’re missing one tooth or need a full mouth restoration, our expert team—Dr. Joel Baez, Dr. Alan Slootsky, Dr. Yesenia Fernandez, and Dr. Alyssa Gonzalez—is here to walk you through it step by step.

Let’s explore what dental implants feel like, and how you can best prepare before and after the procedure.

Here’s the good news: Dental implant surgery is not painful. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how easy the procedure is. Thanks to local anesthesia or IV sedation, the entire process is typically painless. You may feel slight pressure, but you won’t feel pain during the surgery itself.

After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some mild swelling, tenderness, or discomfort—similar to having a tooth pulled. These symptoms usually last just a few days and are easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication or a prescription provided by your dentist.

The truth is, the fear of pain is often worse than the actual experience.

A smooth recovery begins with good preparation. Here are some key steps to take before your implant procedure:

This is the most important step. During your consultation, we’ll assess your oral health, review X-rays or 3D scans, and design a custom treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Make sure to let us know about any health conditions such as diabetes, heart issues, or if you’re on blood thinners. This helps us ensure your safety and success during and after surgery.

Smoking can interfere with healing and may increase the risk of implant failure. Try to quit or at least avoid smoking one week before and several weeks after the procedure.

While the procedure doesn’t take long, we recommend taking the rest of the day off. Arrive relaxed, in comfortable clothing, and with a friend or family member if needed.

Post-operative care is key to ensuring the success of your dental implant. Here are our top tips for healing quickly and comfortably:

Use ice packs on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours to minimize swelling.

In the first few days, choose soft and cool foods like smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups. Avoid spicy, hot, or crunchy foods.

Avoid vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours. After that, use a gentle rinse as recommended by your dentist and keep the area clean without disturbing the surgical site.

Use two pillows to keep your head elevated while sleeping. This reduces swelling and improves circulation.

Take all medications as directed and attend your follow-up visits so we can ensure everything is healing properly.

At our practice, you’ll get much more than just a dental procedure—you’ll receive compassionate care backed by over 100 years of combined experience. Our advanced technology, 3D planning tools, and minimally invasive techniques mean you’re in expert hands every step of the way.

Whether it’s one implant or a full smile makeover, Restorative and Implant Dentistry in Pompano Beach, FL is here to deliver high-tech, personalized care with a warm and friendly touch.

Thinking about dental implants? Let us help you decide if they’re the right option for your smile and health.

Visit us at: 161 S Pompano Pkwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Call us today at (954) 972-1000 to schedule your free one-on-one consultation with Dr. Joel Baez, Dr. Alan Slootsky, Dr. Yesenia Fernandez, or Dr. Alyssa Gonzalez.

A confident smile starts with the first step—let’s take it together.

With proper care, dental implants can last 15–25 years or more. They’re a long-term, stable solution for missing teeth.

We recommend resting for the remainder of the day. Most people are back to work or school the next day with little to no issue.

In many cases, yes! If the bone is healthy and strong enough, we can place the implant immediately after extraction.

We offer bone grafting procedures to help build up the area, making it possible for you to receive a successful implant.

No problem—we offer IV sedation so you can relax completely during your procedure. Many patients don’t even remember the surgery afterward!

Still have questions? We’re here to help you feel informed, confident, and cared for.

Call (954) 972-1000.

Your healthy, beautiful smile is just one call away.