When discussing dental implants, one of the first questions prospective patients ask is: “do dental implants hurt” The fear of pain is a common reason for putting off enquiring about dental implant treatments, and it can also prevent patients from going ahead with treatment, even after their initial consultation.
Let us start by reassuring you: dental implants aren’t painful. Obviously, every person’s pain threshold is unique, and every procedure will be different. That said, the majority of our patients report slight discomfort, but nothing that cannot be managed with over the counter pain medicine.
The dental implant procedure involves making a small incision in your gum and placing an implant into the jawbone. An implant is placed in the bone and an abutment is placed on the implant. This abutment will later hold the prosthetic tooth in place. In the case of All-on-4 (also know as Same Day Smiles), this can all be done in one day, so you won’t have to wait between appointments.
You will be under a local anaesthetic during the procedure, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. You may feel pressure, but it’s important that you can distinguish between pain and pressure. While pressure might feel strange or uncomfortable, it’s only pain that your dentist can prevent. It helps to remember that the bone in your jaw does not have any pain receptors. Our patients often report to us that their dental implant procedure was quite comfortable. In the case of individual implants particularly, after being administered local anaesthetic their experience in the dental chair is often comparable to having a routine filling.
After the procedure, you will be able to sit in our recovery suite until you feel ready to go home. We would recommend having someone to drive you home if you have opted for full sedation as you may still be feeling the effects of the general anaesthetic. If you have a local anaesthetic, you will be fine to drive after your appointment. You should expect to have a little discomfort after the procedure, but this will be no different to any other kind of dental work, such as a dental extraction. We recommend taking over the counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol before the local anaesthetic wears off. If you wait until you can feel the implant site, then you may have some slight discomfort while you wait for the painkillers to take effect.
You should expect to have a little discomfort after the procedure, but this will be no different to any other kind of dental work, such as a dental extraction. We recommend taking over the counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol before the local anaesthetic wears off. If you wait until you can feel the implant site, then you may have some slight discomfort while you wait for the painkillers to take effect.
Please note: you should avoid taking aspirin as this can delay the healing process.
We would recommend putting your feet up for at least 24 hours and then see how you feel. Most people will be fine to return to work 2-3 days after fitting their dental implants, while others might be capable of going back to work the same day! This will all depend on your procedure, your individual circumstances and what kind of work you do. Your dentist will be able to tell you when you can expect to return to work after the procedure.
“I was in no pain on the day itself although there was some discomfort in the days afterwards which I took some mild painkillers for.” – Read Yvonne’s All-on-4 Implant Story
“ I was expecting pain in the following days but instead it was more a feeling of discomfort with a bit of swelling and minor bruising on my jawline which was controlled quite easily with ibuprofen.” – Read Joyce’s All-on-4 Implant Story
“I thought I would be in more pain but the sedation was very good indeed – I felt as though I was coming and going in awareness of what was going on throughout the procedure – the time just flew by and I really didn’t feel any pain. My recovery afterwards was very straightforward too – all controlled with some paracetamol with very little swelling and no bruising whatsoever.” – Read Dennis’s All-on-4 Implant Story
“The implant treatment itself- whilst I was dreading it -was actually a piece of cake on the day – unbelievable now how painless modern dentistry is now.” – Read Kerry’s Individual Implant Story
If you’re curious about the full-arch dental implant procedure, we’re running an All-on-4 Implant open evening where you will have the chance to speak to our principal dentist Gavin Laidlaw about the procedure and ask any other questions you might have about pain or recovery. This unique event will also give you the opportunity to save over £2,000 on All-on-4 Implants.
If you’re interested in single or multiple dental implants, why not book in for a consultation giving you the opportunity to speak to our principal dentist Gavin Laidlaw about the procedure. We are also offering patients the opportunity to save £300 on their individual dental implant treatment.
EXCELLENTBased on 301 reviewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Helen Asteriades2024-10-18I have had 3 implants now at dental solutions and have been very pleased with them My experience each time has been very positive I am very happy to recommend this excellent service Iam now having invisalign My appointment to dicuss it was very positive and very professionally managedTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Linda Madgwick2024-10-12Just started treatment for my fifth implant. Very quick and painless! Just felt some pressure, nothing else and all over in 20 minutes. Back in 3 months time to complete the treatment. Great care and service.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Jean Sharpe2024-09-29Check up from Gavin, the principal dentist Treatment from Victoria, the hygienist Administration carried out by Janet, lead receptionist All areas of expertise were handled professionally and with competence and skill. Highly recommendTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Laura Barrett2024-09-25After years of issues with two missing teeth I went to see Gavin to see what could be done. I didn’t think implants would be an option due to the small space however I was proven wrong. Gavin went above and beyond during the process to ensure I ended up with an amazing smile. I was so happy with my teeth I even cried. Can’t thank Gavin and the team enough for everything they’ve done.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Vanessa Maria2024-09-25I have been a patient of Dental solutions for around 6 years and every visit has been a positive and pleasurable experience. I was in pain with a bottom front tooth a week ago, so phoned the practice and was given an appointment with Lauren an hour later. I am going through a difficult time at the moment and Lauren was very kind and caring as well as thorough and professional. Thankfully the source of pain was just induced by clenching, in turn causing sensitivity. Lauren prescribed a toothpaste which helped almost immediately. Thanks Lauren for the treatment suggestion but also for being so kind.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Carolyne Rogers2024-09-21I saw Lauren last week as I needed a root canal on a molar tooth. I found the experience to be very positive, I saw Lauren who was kind, considerate, friendly & informative. She explained each & every step before she proceeded & the treatment was totally pain free & successfull I would definitely recommend Lauren & her assistant for any dental treatment C A RogersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Barbara Gaskell2024-09-20I used to be an extremely nervous patient before I found this dental practice. Gavin and his team are lovely and immediately put you at ease, I really couldn't imagine going anywhere else now.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Andy Mackay2024-08-25Having a great fear of the dentist from my teens and having neglected my teeth since, i was forced to seek attention when my two front upper teeth came out. Gavin at Dental solutions was superb, putting me totally at ease. I then had all my top teeth replaced by implants. This was a totally free of pain experience. Two years later following a facial collision with a dog, I had four loose bottom teeth at the front. Another trip to see Gavin and again superb treatment throughout and painless. Another implant. The service at Dental Solutions is first class from the receptionists through to the dentist. I would recommend them without reservation.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.tom floyd2024-08-25An outstanding experience from beginning to end. I first connected with Dental Solutions through a friend's referral. Initially, I had planned to go to Turkey because I was unhappy with my smile and felt very self-conscious about it. Before making that decision, I visited Dental Solutions to see if there was any way to preserve my original teeth instead of undergoing invasive procedures abroad. The team exceeded my expectations at every step. Lauren suggested Invisalign treatment, and the results were incredible—my smile was completely transformed. She monitored my progress closely, even providing a home camera kit and regularly checking in via text to ensure everything was going smoothly. After the Invisalign treatment was complete, Gavin recommended edge bonding and assured me the results would be fantastic. Given my exceptional experience up to that point, I trusted their expertise and proceeded with the edge bonding. When I came in for the procedure, Dr. Amit delivered outstanding results. Having spoken with others who’ve had similar work done elsewhere, I can confidently say that the quality and care I received were unmatched. Dr. Amit took his time, thoroughly explaining each step and demonstrating his genuine passion for dentistry. Overall, the experience offered excellent value for money and was truly enjoyable. It has renewed my commitment to staying on top of dental appointments and restored my confidence in visiting the dentist. I highly recommend them.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Vrancken` Matthew2024-08-24I have been a customer for years now and my experiences have always been 5 star. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and most importantly they deliver a super professional job.