Does a dental implant hurt?
In short
Not during the procedure: local anaesthetic numbs the area and you only feel pressure and vibration. Afterwards, when the anaesthetic wears off, moderate discomfort with some swelling for 24-48 hours is normal, similar to what you feel after an extraction, and it can be managed with ice and the medicines prescribed.
If you are reading this article, you are probably considering a dental implant but are worried about how much it might hurt. It is a question our patients from EUR, Laurentina and the surrounding neighbourhoods ask us every day: "Does a dental implant hurt?"
The good news is that you have found the answer you were looking for. At Nea Bios Dental Clinic in Rome EUR Laurentina, Dr Nihad Pljevljak and his specialist team help families overcome these worries every day, with clear information and a caring approach.
In this article you will find everything you need to know about pain and dental implants, from what you feel during the procedure to advice for the post-operative period. Our experience with patients from Torrino, Tre Fontane, Spinaceto and Cecchignola has taught us that knowledge is the first step towards facing this important treatment calmly.
Why do people think a dental implant will hurt?
Fear of pain is completely understandable when it comes to dental implants. Many patients come to our clinic in Rome EUR with worries that stem from:
- Past experiences of painful dental treatment
- Stories from friends or relatives who went through different situations
- Incomplete information found online
- Natural anxiety about surgical procedures
The reality is that modern dental implantology has made huge strides in pain control. At the NeaBios clinic we use advanced technology and well-established protocols that make the experience far more comfortable than you might imagine.
During the procedure, thanks to latest-generation local anaesthetic, patients do not normally feel any pain. Our patients from EUR and Laurentina often tell us they were surprised at how easy the procedure was.
What you may feel during and after the procedure
During the procedure
The implant is placed under full local anaesthetic. Dr Nihad Pljevljak always makes sure the area is completely numb before starting. You may feel:
- Pressure while the implant site is being prepared
- Vibration from the surgical instruments
- Usually no pain during the procedure, thanks to the anaesthetic
In the first 24-48 hours
When the anaesthetic wears off, it is normal to experience:
- Mild swelling in the treated area
- Moderate discomfort, similar to what you feel after an extraction
- Tenderness in the surrounding area
What to do straight away to manage recovery
Here is the immediate advice we give to families from EUR, Torrino and Montagnola:
Managing pain
- Take the prescribed painkillers before the anaesthetic wears off
- Apply ice to your cheek at intervals during the first few hours after the procedure
- Avoid aspirin as a painkiller, as it can increase bleeding (if it has been prescribed for you, do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor)
Eating and drinking
- Choose soft foods, ideally cold, for the first few days
- Avoid hot drinks and spicy food
- Chew on the side opposite the implant
Oral hygiene
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Avoid brushing directly over the area for 24 hours
- Carry on with your normal oral hygiene in the rest of your mouth
When to contact the dentist
It is important to call the NeaBios clinic immediately if you have:
- Severe pain that medication does not control
- Excessive swelling after 48 hours
- A high temperature
- Heavy bleeding
Professional treatments to minimise discomfort
At our dental clinic in Rome EUR, we use a range of technologies to make treatment as comfortable as possible:
Conscious sedation
For more anxious patients, we offer nitrous oxide sedation, which lets you stay conscious but more relaxed.
Guided surgery
Computer-guided surgery allows us to be more precise and, where appropriate, less invasive, often making recovery easier.
Laser therapy
Low-level laser therapy may help reduce post-operative inflammation, although the scientific evidence is still limited.
In our experience with patients from Cecchignola and Fonte Ostiense, these modern approaches have improved the post-operative experience.
Prevention and care for the whole family
For adults
- Regular check-ups, at a frequency tailored to your individual risk
- Thorough oral hygiene at home with an electric toothbrush
- Daily use of dental floss
For children
- First visit to a paediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, and no later than the first birthday
- Fissure sealants on the permanent molars
- Learning about oral hygiene from an early age
An effective daily routine
Dr Nihad Pljevljak always recommends:
- Brushing twice a day for about 2 minutes, with fluoride toothpaste
- Using a suitable mouthwash
- Professional teeth cleaning as often as your dentist recommends
To sum up in a few wordsβ¦
A well-performed dental implant should not cause significant pain. Thanks to modern technology and our team's experience, many patients at the NeaBios clinic report a much easier recovery than they expected.
The key to success lies in choosing experienced professionals who use up-to-date protocols and advanced technology. Our twenty years of experience with families in Rome EUR, Laurentina and the surrounding area have taught us that information and trust are the essential ingredients of a positive experience.
Remember that every case is unique: what matters is being looked after by qualified specialists who will guide you through every stage of treatment with professionalism and warmth.
Do not let fear of pain stop you from getting your smile back. Today, dental implants are a safe, predictable and comfortable way to replace missing teeth.
Still have questions about what getting a dental implant involves?
Nea Bios Dental Clinic, led by Dr Nihad Pljevljak, is a trusted reference point for families in EUR, Laurentina, Tre Fontane and Torrino.
Our team will welcome you with professionalism and warmth, using the latest technology in a comfortable setting for adults and children alike.
Book your visit today:
- π Tel: +39 06.50.13.817
- π± Mobile: 333.935.8432
- π Address: Via Cesare Pavese 135, 00144 Rome
- π Easy to reach from Laurentina station (Metro line B)
- π ΏοΈ Parking available
- π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Specialised in care for the whole family
Your smile and your family's smiles are our priority.
Sources
- American Dental Association. Home Oral Care. Oral Health Topics. 2024. ADA
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). AAPD
- Fee PA, Riley P, Worthington HV, et al. Recall intervals for oral health in primary care patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;10(10):CD004346. PubMed

