Are dental implants painful? What to expect

Implant placement is carried out under local anaesthetic. The jawbone itself has no pain receptors in the way teeth do, so patients routinely tell us afterwards that they expected far worse. Most describe pressure and the sound rather than pain.

A straightforward single implant takes around an hour. Sedation is available for those who want it, but the majority do not need it.

The first week

• Day one to three: swelling and a dull ache, well controlled by standard painkillers
• Some bruising is normal, particularly in the lower jaw
• Soft food for a week, and no chewing on that side
• Careful cleaning around the site, with a prescribed rinse
• Most people return to work the next day

The months that follow

The implant then integrates with the bone over roughly three to six months. This phase is not painful at all — you are usually wearing a temporary tooth and simply getting on with life. Fitting the final crown is a short, comfortable appointment.

Where bone grafting or a sinus lift is needed, recovery from that stage is a little more involved, and we will say so clearly before you agree to anything.

When to call us

Pain that increases after day three, spreading swelling, or a bad taste are the signs worth ringing about. They are uncommon, and they are far easier to deal with early.

Talk it through

If fear of pain is what has delayed replacing a missing tooth, bring that to the consultation — it is a very common reason, and it is planned around. Book a consultation in Twickenham or call the practice.