Dental implants

Does getting dental implants hurt?

Worried that dental implants will hurt? You are not alone. Implant placement is carried out under local anaesthetic, and any soreness afterwards varies according to the treatment involved. Here is what to expect and how we help nervous patients feel comfortable.

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How we keep you comfortable during treatment

We numb the implant area with local anaesthetic, similar to the type used for a filling. The injection may cause a brief pinch or sting. We allow the anaesthetic to take full effect before beginning treatment, so you are more likely to notice pressure, vibration or movement. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, tell us and we can pause and give you more anaesthetic before continuing.

What our implant patients said

These patients received implant treatment at Didcot Dental Studio. Their comments describe individual experiences; discomfort, swelling and recovery can vary between patients and according to the treatment involved.

“I had a few teeth removed and dental implants placed, and if I’m being honest, I was extremely nervous beforehand. I’d heard so many horror stories online about implants and recovery, but the team completely changed my perception. The surgery itself was far smoother than I expected, virtually painless, and the aftercare was amazing.”

Parmveer

Tim's experience of full-mouth implant treatment

Tim completed full-mouth implant treatment at Didcot Dental Studio. At the fitting of his final bridge, he described the journey as incredible and said he could not believe he had experienced no pain.

IV sedation can help you feel deeply relaxed

Dental anxiety is common. In the 2021 Adult Oral Health Survey for England, 42% of adults with natural teeth had moderate dental anxiety, while a further 12% had extreme anxiety.

We offer IV conscious sedation. You remain awake and able to respond, but you feel deeply relaxed and drowsy, and many people remember little or nothing about the procedure afterwards. It is not a general anaesthetic, and local anaesthetic is still used to numb the treatment area.

Sedation starts from £350 per visit and is separate from the cost of treatment. You will need a responsible adult to take you home, and you must follow the safety instructions provided for the following 24 hours.

If anxiety is the thing holding you back, say so when you book. It changes how we plan your appointment.

What recovery usually feels like

Recovery varies. Placing a single implant will not necessarily feel the same afterwards as having several implants, extractions or bone grafting. We will explain what to expect from your particular treatment before it begins.

The first few days

Some soreness, swelling, bruising or jaw stiffness can occur after the anaesthetic wears off and should gradually settle. We will give you personalised advice about pain relief, eating and cleaning around the area.

Contact us if bleeding does not settle or if pain or swelling becomes worse rather than improving. Although the initial discomfort usually settles within several days, the implant continues healing in the jaw over the following months.

Read more about dental implants or, if you are missing most or all of your teeth, about Teeth in a Day.