Are Dental Implants Painful? What to Expect During and After Surgery

One of the most common questions people ask before considering dental implants is whether the procedure is painful. It is a completely understandable concern — the idea of having a titanium post placed into the jawbone can feel daunting, especially if you have not had oral surgery before.

The reality, however, is often quite different from what many patients expect. While dental implant surgery is a clinical procedure that involves some level of discomfort, most patients report that the experience is far more manageable than they had anticipated. This article explains what you can typically expect in terms of sensation during and after implant placement, how discomfort is usually managed, and what signs to look out for during recovery.

It is important to note that every individual's experience is different. Factors such as general health, the complexity of the procedure, and personal pain thresholds all play a role. This guide is designed to provide general information — not to replace the specific advice of your treating dentist.

What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?

Understanding the process can help reduce anxiety. While each case is different, dental implant placement generally follows a series of steps that your dentist will talk you through beforehand.

Before the procedure begins, a local anaesthetic is administered to numb the treatment area. This is the same type of anaesthetic used for fillings, extractions and other routine dental procedures. Once the area is fully numb, most patients do not feel sharp pain during the surgery itself.

The procedure typically involves making a small incision in the gum tissue, preparing the jawbone to receive the implant, and then carefully placing the titanium post into position. The gum is then closed, and a healing period follows during which the implant integrates with the surrounding bone — a process known as osseointegration.

The length of the procedure varies depending on whether one or multiple implants are being placed, whether any preparatory work (such as bone grafting) is needed, and the specific clinical circumstances. Your dentist will give you a clear idea of what to expect before you begin.

Does the Implant Procedure Hurt at the Time?

Once the local anaesthetic has taken effect, the treatment area should be numb. This means that during the procedure, you should not feel sharp or cutting pain. What many patients report instead is a sense of pressure, vibration or movement — similar to what you might feel during a tooth extraction or other dental work carried out under local anaesthetic.

Some patients describe the sensation as unusual but not painful. Others may feel mild discomfort at certain points during the procedure, particularly if it is lengthy or involves work on areas that are more sensitive.

It is worth noting that experiences vary from person to person. Some individuals are naturally more sensitive to pressure or dental work, while others find the process more straightforward than expected. If you feel any discomfort during the procedure, it is important to communicate this to your dentist so that additional anaesthetic can be administered if needed.

The key point is that the anaesthetic is designed to manage pain during the procedure. While it does not eliminate every sensation, it does mean that sharp pain during implant placement is not the norm.

What Does Dental Implant Pain Feel Like After Surgery?

Once the local anaesthetic wears off — typically a few hours after the procedure — it is normal to experience some discomfort in and around the treatment area. This is part of the body's natural healing response and is generally expected.

Common sensations reported by patients in the days following implant surgery include:

• Soreness or tenderness — often described as a dull ache around the implant site, similar to the feeling after a tooth extraction.
• Swelling — mild to moderate swelling of the gums, cheek or jaw area is common and typically peaks within the first 48 to 72 hours.
• Mild bruising — some patients notice slight bruising on the skin near the treatment area, particularly if the procedure was more involved.
• Tightness or stiffness — a feeling of tightness around the implant area or limited jaw movement in the first few days is not unusual.

For many patients, the level of post-operative discomfort is described as moderate and manageable — often less intense than they had expected. That said, it is important not to dismiss any symptoms that feel unusual or that worsen rather than improve. Individual healing timelines can differ, and your dentist is the best person to advise on what is normal for your particular case.

How Long Does Discomfort Usually Last?

In many cases, the most noticeable discomfort occurs within the first three to five days following the procedure, with a gradual improvement after that. By the end of the first week, many patients find that any soreness has reduced considerably.

Some residual tenderness or sensitivity around the implant site may continue for a few weeks as the tissues heal, particularly when eating or brushing near the area. This is generally mild and tends to decrease steadily over time.

It is worth being cautious about fixed timelines, however. Recovery is influenced by a number of factors, including:

• The number of implants placed
• Whether additional procedures such as bone grafting were carried out
• Your general health and healing capacity
• How closely aftercare instructions are followed

Your dentist will provide guidance on what to expect during your recovery and will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. If discomfort persists beyond what was discussed or seems to be worsening rather than improving, it is important to get in touch with the practice.

Managing Pain After Dental Implant Surgery

Post-operative discomfort after implant surgery is usually managed through a combination of medication and practical aftercare measures. Your dentist will typically provide specific advice tailored to your procedure, but common recommendations include:

• Pain relief medication — over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol are often recommended. In some cases, your dentist may prescribe stronger pain relief depending on the extent of the procedure. Always follow the dosage instructions provided.
• Cold compresses — applying a cold pack to the outside of the cheek near the treatment area can help reduce swelling, particularly in the first 24 to 48 hours.
• Soft diet — eating softer foods for the first few days helps avoid putting pressure on the implant site. Avoiding very hot or very cold food and drink may also reduce sensitivity.
• Oral hygiene — keeping the mouth clean is important for healing. Your dentist will advise on how to brush and rinse gently around the surgical area without disturbing it.
• Rest — avoiding strenuous physical activity for the first day or two can help reduce swelling and promote healing.

If antibiotics are prescribed, it is important to complete the full course as directed. Following the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist closely can make a meaningful difference to how comfortable your recovery is.

What Is Normal vs Not Normal After Implant Surgery?

Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident during recovery. While some symptoms are a normal part of healing, others may need clinical attention.

If you experience any symptoms in the second category, contact your dental practice. Most complications, when caught early, can be addressed effectively. Follow-up appointments are an important part of the process and give your dentist the opportunity to check that healing is progressing well.

Does Implant Pain Differ From Other Dental Treatments?

Many patients who have had a tooth extraction find that the discomfort following an implant procedure is broadly comparable — and in some cases, less intense than they expected. This is partly because the bone preparation involved in implant placement is a controlled process, whereas extractions can sometimes involve more tissue disruption depending on the tooth.

That said, comparisons between procedures are only partially helpful. Pain perception is highly individual, and the level of discomfort someone experiences depends on the complexity of their specific case, their health, and their personal sensitivity. Two people having the same procedure may describe their experience very differently.

What tends to matter most is having clear, honest expectations before treatment begins. When patients understand what the procedure involves and what the recovery might feel like, they are generally better prepared — and often report the experience as more manageable than anticipated.

If you have had previous dental work such as root canal treatment or a surgical extraction, you may already have a reasonable frame of reference for the type of post-operative discomfort associated with implant surgery.

When to Contact the Dentist

While most patients recover from implant surgery without complications, it is important to know when to seek advice. Contact your dental practice if you experience any of the following:

• Pain that worsens — some discomfort is expected, but pain that becomes more intense after the first few days rather than easing may need to be assessed.
• Signs of infection — these may include increased swelling, redness, warmth around the site, fever, or discharge with an unpleasant smell or taste.
• The implant feels loose — while rare in the early stages, any sense of movement at the implant site should be reported.
• Difficulty opening the mouth — some stiffness is normal, but significant or worsening limitation of jaw movement warrants a review.
• Persistent numbness — if numbness in the lip, chin, tongue or gum area does not resolve within several hours of the procedure, let your dentist know.

Your dental team would always rather hear from you with a concern that turns out to be nothing than have you wait with a symptom that needs attention. Do not hesitate to get in touch if something does not feel right during your recovery.

Discussing Dental Implants in London

If you are thinking about dental implants, the starting point is always a thorough assessment. This allows your dentist to evaluate your oral health, discuss your medical history, and determine whether implants are a suitable option for your circumstances.

A good consultation should also give you the opportunity to ask questions — including those about discomfort, recovery, and what the process involves from start to finish. Feeling informed and prepared is just as important as the clinical aspects of treatment.

At our London practice, we take an assessment-led approach to implant treatment. That means we focus on understanding each patient's individual situation before recommending any course of action. We also aim to provide honest, realistic guidance about recovery — because we believe that managing expectations properly leads to a better experience overall.

Ongoing support during the healing period is a core part of how we approach implant care. From your initial consultation through to your follow-up appointments, we are available to answer questions and address any concerns that arise along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions