Is dental implant placement painful?

Illustration of dental implant placement – addressing patient concerns about pain during the procedure

Oct 24, 2025

Wondering if dental implants hurt? At Dental Art Implant Clinics in East Finchley and Balham, we make the experience surprisingly smooth and comfortable.

At Dental Art Implant Clinics in East Finchley and Balham, we understand that the question “Is dental implant placement painful?” is one of the most common you’ll ask when you’re considering restorative dentistry. The short answer is: no, the procedure itself isn’t painful, and the discomfort afterward is usually mild and well‑managed. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect — so you can approach your treatment with confidence and clarity.

 

What happens during the implant procedure?

When you visit us at our East Finchley or Balham clinic for an implant placement, the process is handled with the same precision and care as our advanced restorations. First, local anaesthetic (and sedation if required) ensures you feel no pain during the placement of the implant fixture. You may feel pressure or movement, but actual pain during the surgery is highly unlikely.

 

What can you expect after treatment?

Once the anaesthetic wears off, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, or minor bleeding. This is quite normal. Research shows that most patients rate their pain as mild and report rapid improvement over just a few days.

PubMed Study on Post-Operative Pain in Implant Dentistry

Typical timeline and expectations:

  • First 24‑48 hours: Peak discomfort — mild swelling, tenderness, dull ache.
  • Days 3‑7: Pain decreases steadily; most switch to OTC pain relief.
  • By day 7‑10: Most discomfort resolved.

 

Why you may feel only mild discomfort (and how we reduce it)

At both our East Finchley and Balham locations, we follow best‑practice protocols to ensure comfort:

  • Effective anaesthesia & sedation
  • Modern techniques = less trauma
  • Clear aftercare instructions
  • Ongoing follow-up care

PubMed: Factors Affecting Pain After Implant Surgery

 

When doesn’t everything go as expected – signs to watch out for

If you notice any of the following, contact our East Finchley or Balham team:

  • Increasing pain after 3–5 days
  • Redness, swelling, or pus (possible infection)
  • Throbbing pain beyond 10–14 days
  • Tingling or numbness (possible nerve involvement)

Perio Implant Advisory: Understanding Implant Pain Sources

 

Bringing it back to you: East Finchley & Balham residents

Whether you’re visiting us at the North London location in East Finchley or the South London clinic in Balham, you’ll benefit from:

  • Specialist implant dentists
  • Modern 3D scanning and guided surgery
  • Gentle techniques for nervous patients
  • Exceptional post-treatment care

 

Wrapping up: what’s the real answer?

So, is dental implant placement painful? In short—no. The surgery is done under anaesthetic, and any post-surgery discomfort is typically minor and manageable. With our modern techniques, compassionate team, and proven results, you’re in expert hands at Dental Art Implant Clinics.

 

Real Results, Real Stories

📍 Visit Our Clinics

East Finchley Clinic:
Dental Art Implant Clinics
114 High Road, East Finchley, London N2 9EB

Balham Clinic:
Dental Art Implant Clinics
143‑145 Balham Hill, London, SW12 9DL

🕒 Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 9 am–6 pm | Sat: By Appointment
📞 Call us on: 020 3285 6330

🌐 Book Online


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East Finchley

91 High Road, East Finchley,
London, N2 8AG

Balham

143-145, Balham Hill, London, SW12 9DL

Book a FREE consultation

East Finchley

91 High Road, East Finchley, London, N2 8AG

Balham

143-145, Balham Hill, London, SW12 9DL

Call us: 020 3322 3218

East Finchley

Monday - Friday
9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday
Closed

Sunday
Closed

Balham

Monday - Friday
9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday
Closed

Sunday
Closed