If you’re considering dental implants, there’s a good chance you’ve already found yourself asking the same question many patients ask us at Billericay Dental Care: “Do dental implants hurt?” It’s one of the most common concerns we hear, and it’s completely understandable.
In short, the answer is no — dental implants do not hurt during surgery, and post-treatment discomfort is usually mild and temporary. To expand on this and give you a clear and honest reply, it helps to look at the procedure in two parts:
- What it feels like during implant surgery, and
- What to expect afterwards while you’re healing.
Do dental implants hurt during surgery?
For the vast majority of patients, dental implant surgery is surprisingly comfortable. Dr Mihai Contenescu, a highly experienced implant dentist, maps out every case beforehand using the latest digital technology, Planning includes custom surgical guides designed to make placement more accurate and better for patients. A local anaesthetic fully numbs the area before anything begins.
If you’re particularly nervous or are undergoing more complex implant treatment, we can also provide conscious sedation to help patients feel relaxed. So, while you may feel some pressure or gentle movement, you shouldn’t feel any pain.
The feedback we receive from most patients is that surgery was far easier than expected, and often more comfortable than a tooth extraction.
Another common surprise is how straightforward and quick the procedure can be. In many cases, placing a single implant is a relatively short appointment, especially when using a fully digital workflow.
So what about anxious patients?
If you feel anxious about implant treatment, our team will talk you through the procedure to help you feel more relaxed on the day. We know from experience that feeling calm and informed makes a big difference.
Okay, so what about after the event?
Do dental implants hurt after surgery?
Like any post-surgical treatment, it’s natural to experience some degree of mild discomfort for a few days. The good news is that this is all part of the healing process and a sign that your body is doing what it should.
You might notice some tenderness, swelling, or a dull ache around the implant site. For most people, this is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, as long as it’s suitable for you. Following the aftercare advice our Billericay dentists give will also help keep discomfort under control.
In most cases, you can expect soreness or discomfort to improve day by day. Many patients find they feel much more comfortable within a few days and can get back to normal activities soon after. However, this depends on the complexity of your treatment.
When should discomfort be a concern?
Something our Essex patients should know is that while some slight discomfort is expected, pain shouldn’t continue to worsen or linger for an extended period.
For this reason, we advise you to contact our Billericay dental practice if:
- Pain increases instead of improving
- Swelling becomes more pronounced after the first few days
- You notice redness, heat, or discharge around the area
- Pain isn’t responding to recommended pain relief
Getting in touch early allows our team to check healing and address any issues promptly, preventing bigger problems.
Looking beyond the procedure
Dental implants are designed to be a life-changing, long-term solution to missing teeth. Once healing is complete, most patients tell us their implants feel incredibly natural with no ongoing pain, just improved comfort, function, and total confidence in their smile.
If fear of pain has been holding you back, having an open conversation with an experienced dental team can be incredibly reassuring.
Book a dental implant consultation in Essex Today!
At Billericay Dental Care, Dr Mihai and his team take the time to understand your concerns, talk you through the process, and help you decide whether dental implants are the right option for you. There’s no pressure and no obligation, just clear, honest advice tailored to your needs.
Whether you’re a Billericay local or travelling in from Brentwood or the surrounding areas, we’d love to meet you. Get in touch and book a dental implant consultation. We’ll help you take the first step towards a confident, long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
Frequently asked questions aobut dental implant pain
Do dental implants hurt during surgery?
No. Dental implant surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic, meaning the area is fully numbed and patients should not feel pain during the procedure.
How long does discomfort last after dental implant surgery?
Most patients experience mild soreness or tenderness for a few days, which improves day by day and is usually manageable with standard pain relief.
Is dental implant pain worse than a tooth extraction?
Most patients report that implant placement is more comfortable than having a tooth removed.
When should I contact my dentist about pain?
If pain worsens rather than improves, or if there is swelling, redness, heat, or discharge, you should contact your dentist promptly.
