Raw Restorations: Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Richard Mullens, DDS on September 2, 2026

If you have lost a tooth and researched replacement options, you have likely learned that dental implants are the only prosthetic that replaces the tooth root along with the crown. That extra step, placing a small titanium post in the jawbone, is often the part that makes people nervous. Here is what the process actually feels like, and what research on patient experience tells us about it.

Does Dental Implant Surgery Hurt?

Most likely, you won’t feel anything during the surgery itself. Before beginning, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic so that you don’t feel any discomfort. Many providers also offer sedation options, like nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to induce a pleasant, calming sensation that eases any potential unease if you’re still worried.

That said, it’s normal to feel some soreness and swelling as the anesthesia wears off after your appointment.

What Research Says About Implant Surgery Discomfort

Patient-reported outcomes research on implant surgery, published in a peer-reviewed cross-sectional study, found that the large majority of patients reported no pain or only mild pain during the implant placement procedure itself, and most also reported little to no anxiety about the experience. Discomfort in the days that follow tends to be mild to moderate for most patients and is generally described as manageable rather than severe.

Is Recovering from Dental Implants Painful?

Thankfully, it usually doesn’t take long to heal after your surgery. Most patients have aches and inflammation for a few days, and the symptoms often peak on the third day after the procedure. Then, your discomfort should start to dissipate over the next week or two until it’s gone entirely. However, some people don’t experience any negative effects and can return to work as early as the next day.

How Can I Address Dental Implant Aches?

Although it’s common to have some mild throbbing after your appointment, that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Usually, it’s safe to take over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen to reduce any tenderness. You can also apply a cold compress to that side of your face within the first 24 hours. The cold can temporarily numb the area for a well-deserved reprieve.

It’s also recommended that you keep your mouth clean to avoid potential infection. If antibiotics were prescribed, take them as directed and rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help clear away unwanted germs.

When Should I Contact Our Office After the Procedure?

Most recovery follows a predictable pattern of improvement, so it is worth reaching out to our team if something feels off that pattern. Discomfort that gets worse instead of better after the third or fourth day, a fever, unusual swelling that continues to grow, or bleeding that will not stop with light pressure are all reasons to call rather than wait it out. Catching a concern early, rather than assuming it will resolve on its own, generally makes it easier to address.

Now that you know more about what to expect, getting dental implants is probably not as intimidating as you expected it to be.

About the Practice

At Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen, you and your family benefit from two highly skilled dentists who work together to offer a wide range of services under one roof. They’re passionate about providing top-quality care so they take the time to get to know your unique dental needs. Then, using state-of-the-art equipment, they provide accurate, long-lasting treatments that are individualized for your unique circumstances. They have the training and technology onsite to perform dental implant surgeries so that you don’t have to seek an outside provider. If you want a consultation, you can request an appointment on our website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Pain