Getting a dental implant is usually not painful during the procedure, as the area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic and for larger treatments, often accompanied by sedation. Clients may report feeling pressure rather than pain. After surgery, it’s normal to experience mild to moderate discomfort for 3-4 days, which is typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

What does a dental implant feel like?

During the procedure:

• The area is numb, so you shouldn’t feel pain
• You may feel pressure or vibration if you are awake
• If you are sedated, do you not feel anything

After the procedure:

• Mild swelling and tenderness for 2–3 days
• Bruising or minor discomfort around the surgical site

How long does the pain last after a dental implant?

• First 24–72 hours: Most noticeable discomfort and swelling
• 3–7 days: Symptoms improve significantly
• After 1 week: Pain is usually minimal or gone

If pain worsens or doesn’t improve, contact your dental team immediately.

How does dental implant pain compare to other treatments?

Many clients say dental implant surgery is more comfortable than expected and often easier than a tooth extraction or wisdom teeth removal.

How is pain managed?

• Local anaesthetic during treatment
• Optional IV sedation or general anaesthesia for anxious patients or complex surgeries
• Pain relief medication after surgery
• Ice packs and aftercare instructions to reduce swelling

Quick summary

• Dental implant surgery is typically well-tolerated
• You won’t feel pain during the procedure
• Mild discomfort after surgery usually settles within a few days
• Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable it is

It's important to replace a missing tooth to maintain your oral health, functionality, and aesthetics. Missing teeth can interfere with chewing and speech, leading to nutritional issues, improper digestion and communication challenges. Adjacent teeth may shift into the gap, causing misalignment, while opposing teeth can over-erupt, causing bite problems and cosmetic concerns.

A missing tooth can also lead to bone loss in the jaw, as it lacks stimulation from tooth roots needed to keep the bone healthy. Over time, jaw shrinkage can change facial structure, resulting in a sunken appearance. Replacing a missing tooth with options like dental implants helps preserve bone density, ensuring jaw stability and maintaining bone function and facial aesthetics.

Dental implants mimic natural tooth roots. They support chewing forces and help to prevent complications associated with gaps, such as shifting teeth or further tooth loss. Early intervention can help to prevent long-term complications, making tooth replacement essential for oral health.

For more information, visit  our blog Six Reasons to Replace Missing Teeth.

It’s completely normal to feel anxious about dental treatment. Our team offers a range of anaesthetic and sedation options to help you feel comfortable and supported throughout your procedure.

Many patients have dental implant treatment or wisdom tooth surgery comfortably under local anaesthesia, which numbs the treatment area while you remain awake.

For patients undergoing more complex procedures — including full mouth dental implants (All-on-4) treatment — or for those who have experienced dental anxiety in the past, additional options may be appropriate. These include:

• Local anaesthesia
• Oral sedation
• Sleep dentistry (IV sedation or twilight sedation)
• General anaesthesia

Our dentists work closely with qualified specialist anaesthetists to provide IV sedation at our clinic. For patients requiring general anaesthesia, procedures are performed at Southbank Day Surgery in a fully accredited hospital setting.

If you have private health insurance with hospital cover, hospital and anaesthetist fees may be partially covered depending on your policy. For patients without private health insurance, IV sedation at our clinic may be a suitable alternative. Where eligible, a portion of anaesthetist fees may attract a Medicare rebate.

During your consultation, we will discuss your medical history, concerns, and treatment needs to determine the most appropriate and safe option for you.

Sleep dentistry (IV sedation)involves using a mild sedative via injection to help relax a patient during their procedure. Sedation may be requested to help relieve anxiety and dental phobia or to help with any medical conditions that may prevent someone from receiving dental treatment. During treatment, you remain in a semi-conscious, sleep-like state where you are closely monitored throughout.

The cost of sedation dentistry services in Perth can vary depending on the amount of dental care required, the length of sedation, the anaesthetist fee and also the type of sedation used.

Sedation is typically billed in 30-minute blocks including pre-sedation, surgery and post-procedure time. Sedation costs start from $1,400 for 60 minutes and subject to Medicare rebates*.

Depending on your private health insurance hospital cover and the anaesthetist scheduled for your treatment, you could end up paying minimal excess for hospital and anaesthetist costs.

For patients without hospital cover, IV sedation at the practice is also an affordable option. For more information on sleep dentistry pricing at our Perth clinic, contact us today on 1300 108 133.

*Prices are subject to change, contact our anaesthetist for an accurate estimate.

For patients who require extensive dental care or multiple treatments in a single appointment, sedation dentistry may be a suitable option.

Sleep dentistry may not be suitable if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory issues. Upon visiting our practice, we will comprehensively assess your medical history before recommending the most suitable sedation option for your treatment.