Dental implant placement under local anaesthesia is usually a procedure with very little pain — most patients rate intraoperative pain as comparable to a routine filling. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate and subsides within a few days.
Why are patients afraid of implant placement?
The fear of pain during an implant procedure stems mainly from a lack of experience — patients often overestimate the pain associated with the procedure. This article presents the facts: what the patient actually feels during and after the procedure, what the scientific data show and how to minimise discomfort.
Does implant placement hurt? What you feel during the procedure
During the procedure itself the patient does not feel pain thanks to effective local anaesthesia. A study of 366 patients showed that as many as 78.6% rated intraoperative pain as minimal (0–2 on a 10-point VAS scale). Slight pressure and vibration — yes; pain — no.
Modern techniques such as 3D-navigated implant placement or flapless surgery further minimise tissue trauma and post-operative discomfort.
Types of anaesthesia for implant placement
Local anaesthesia is the standard in implantology and ensures a completely painless procedure. Articaine or lidocaine with adrenaline is most commonly used, providing effective anaesthesia for approximately 2–4 hours.
| Type of anaesthesia | Description | For whom? |
| Local (standard) | Injection into the gum — full anaesthesia of the surgical area | All patients — effective in approx. 99% of cases |
| Sedation (laughing gas / oral) | The patient is conscious but relaxed and calm | Individuals with severe dental anxiety |
| Intravenous (IV) sedation | Deeper relaxation — the patient often has no recollection of the procedure | Extensive procedures (All-on-4/6), dental phobia |
| General anaesthesia | Full unconsciousness in a hospital setting | Exceptional medical situations, very extensive procedures |
"Dr Prażmo emphasises: At Modern Dental & Orthodontics we make every effort to ensure that each patient feels comfortable. Before the procedure we discuss all the anaesthesia options in detail so that the patient can make an informed choice."”
Post-operative pain — what does recovery look like?
Post-operative pain after implant placement is usually mild to moderate and peaks within the first 24 hours. A study of 234 patients showed that over 70% rated post-operative pain as mild (VAS ≤ 4/10) on the first day.
Day by day — what to expect
| Period | Typical symptoms | Pain intensity |
| Day of procedure (0) | Anaesthesia wears off after 2–4 h; mild tenderness | Minimal |
| Day 1–2 | Peak pain and swelling; bruising possible | Mild to moderate |
| Day 3–7 | Pain markedly decreasing; swelling subsiding | Mild |
| Day 7–14 | Comfort approaching normal; suture removal (approx. day 7–10) | Minimal / none |
| 2–6 months | Osseointegration (the implant fuses with bone) — pain-free | None |
A systematic review by Taddei et al. confirms that post-implant pain is usually mild to moderate. NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen) are the recommended first-line analgesics. Paracetamol may be used in combination.
Implant vs extraction — which hurts more?
Counter-intuitively, implant placement is usually less painful than tooth extraction. A study by Tabrizi et al. on a group of 40 patients who underwent both procedures showed that post-implant pain was significantly lower than post-extraction pain. This is because implant placement is a planned, controlled procedure — unlike extraction, where the root is often curved, fractured or surrounded by infected tissue.
What influences pain intensity?
The level of pain experienced depends on several factors that the clinician takes into account when planning the procedure:
- Number of implants placed — a single implant = minimal discomfort; a full-arch reconstruction (All-on-4/6) = greater swelling, but pain still manageable with standard analgesics.
- Need for bone augmentation — sinus floor elevation (sinus lift) or a bone graft may prolong recovery.
- Operator experience — studies indicate that less experienced surgeons generate higher post-operative pain in patients.
- Patient anxiety and stress — a high level of dental anxiety correlates with a higher perception of pain.
- Sex — women may experience slightly greater post-operative discomfort.
How to minimise pain — practical advice
Appropriate preparation and post-operative management significantly reduce discomfort. Here are proven recommendations:
Before the procedure
- Discuss your concerns with the clinician — awareness of the course of the procedure alone reduces anxiety.
- Do not smoke for at least 48 hours before the procedure — smoking impairs healing.
After the procedure
- Take an analgesic (e.g. ibuprofen) as directed by the clinician — ideally before the anaesthesia wears off.
- Apply ice packs (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) for the first 24–48 hours.
- Eat soft, cool food for the first 2–3 days.
- Avoid intense physical exertion for 5–7 days.
- Do not smoke and do not drink alcohol — these slow healing and increase the risk of complications.
When to contact the clinician
Mild pain and swelling are a normal part of healing. However, you should contact the clinic without delay if any of the following occur:
- pain worsening after day 3–4 instead of improving,
- fever above 38 °C,
- purulent discharge or an unpleasant smell from the wound,
- numbness of the lip or chin persisting beyond 24 hours,
- heavy bleeding not subsiding after 30 minutes of gauze pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does getting an implant hurt more than having a tooth pulled?
No — scientific studies demonstrate that post-implant pain is significantly lower than post-extraction pain. This is due to the planned, controlled nature of implant surgery, which causes less tissue trauma than extraction — especially of impacted or multi-rooted teeth.
How long does pain last after implant placement?
Peak pain occurs within the first 24 hours after the procedure and subsides rapidly. By day 3–7 most patients no longer require analgesics. Some tenderness may persist for up to 2 weeks, but it does not interfere with normal daily activities.
What analgesics are used after implant placement?
Ibuprofen or another NSAID is most commonly recommended, as these effectively relieve both pain and inflammation. Systematic reviews confirm their efficacy in this indication. Paracetamol may be used in combination. Opioids are very rarely necessary.
Can an implant be placed under general anaesthesia?
Yes, although in most cases it is not necessary. Local anaesthesia is sufficient. For patients with severe anxiety, sedation (inhalation, oral or intravenous) is available. General anaesthesia is reserved for very extensive procedures or exceptional medical situations.
Does age affect post-implant pain?
Age per se is not the main risk factor for increased pain. More important are: overall health status, bone quality, the surgeon's experience and the patient's psychological attitude. Patients over 60 tolerate the procedure very well in most cases.
How much does an implant cost at Modern Dental & Orthodontics (Klinika MDO)?
Koszt implantu z koroną zależy od systemu implantologicznego, materiału korony i ewentualnych procedur dodatkowych (np. augmentacja kości). Szczegółową wycenę otrzymasz na konsultacji. Modern Dental & Orthodontics (Klinika MDO) oferuje raty PayU, dzięki którym leczenie można rozłożyć na wygodne miesięczne płatności.
Can an implant fail?
Contemporary implants have a success rate above 95%. Failure of osseointegration occurs rarely and may manifest as persistent pain after 3–4 weeks, implant mobility or signs of infection. In such cases the implant is removed, the area is allowed to heal, and — in most cases — a new implant is placed at the same site.
Expert: Dr. Ewa Prażmo, DMD, PhD
Medical Director & Co-owner of Modern Dental & Orthodontics, Warsaw
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw (WUM). Author of scientific publications. Lecturer at WUM in 2013–2018.
Read more on the Modern Dental & Orthodontics website:
Dental Implants Warsaw Wola | Implant placement
Dental Implants Step by Step — Treatment Stages
Zirconia vs Metal Crown? A Comparison of Crown Types
Scientific sources
1.Link: https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.2007.060032
Al-Khabbaz AK, Griffin TJ, Al-Shammari KF. „Assessment of pain associated with the surgical placement of dental implants.” J Periodontol. 2007;78(2):239–246.
2.Link: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.634963
Melini M, Forni A, Cavallin F, Parotto M, Zanette G. „Analgesics for Dental Implants: A Systematic Review.” Front Pharmacol. 2021;11:634963.
3.Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-021-03859-y
Khouly I, Braun RS, Ordway M et al. „Post-operative pain management in dental implant surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.” Clin Oral Invest. 2021;25:2511–2536.
4.Link: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059730
Wu X, Ye M, Sun J, Yan Q, Shi B, Xia H. „Patient-reported outcome measures following surgeries in implant dentistry and associated factors: a cross-sectional study.” BMJ Open. 2022;12(6):e059730.
5.Link: https://doi.org/10.4103/ams.ams_281_19
Tabrizi R, Mohajerani H, Nabtieh A, Shafiei S. „Do patients have the same experience of pain following tooth extraction and dental implants?” Ann Maxillofac Surg. 2020;10(1):88–90.