IMPLANTS · BLOG
DOES IMPLANT PLACEMENT HURT — WHAT REALLY HAPPENS STEP BY STEP
Implants · 31 May 2026
Implant placement does not hurt — during the procedure itself. It is performed under local anaesthesia and most patients say it was less uncomfortable than they expected. What can be uncomfortable is the 2 to 3 days after the procedure, but that is mild discomfort — not pain. Dr Marko explains exactly what happens.
Why are people afraid of implant placement?
Dental fear is one of the most common fears in general. With implants the fear is heightened because it is a surgical procedure — screwing a post into bone.
But what we imagine and what actually happens — those are two completely different things.
"Most patients who have gone through implant placement say the same: I thought it would be much worse. It actually didn't hurt at all during the procedure."
What happens during placement — step by step
Before the procedure
Local anaesthesia is applied by injection into the gum. The injection may sting briefly — that is the most uncomfortable part for most patients. After 2 to 3 minutes, the area is completely numb.
During the procedure
- —A small incision is made in the gum to access the bone
- —A drill creates a channel in the bone of the appropriate depth and width
- —The implant is screwed into the channel
- —The incision is closed with sutures
- —A healing cap is placed
Duration: 30 to 60 minutes per implant. What you feel: pressure and vibration from the drill — but not pain. Bone does not have nerve endings that register pain the same way as gum tissue.
What happens after the procedure?
First 24 hours
Anaesthesia gradually wears off over 2 to 4 hours. Mild swelling and discomfort may appear. Ibuprofen or paracetamol are usually sufficient.
Days 2 and 3
Swelling is at its maximum — but most patients can function normally. Soft food recommended.
After one week
Swelling subsides, discomfort disappears. Sutures are removed after 7 to 10 days.
What is not normal — when to call the doctor:
- !Severe pain that does not go away with painkillers
- !High fever
- !Suppuration at the implant site
- !Severe swelling that increases after the third day
What about the fear of drilling bone?
This is the most common source of fear. The sound and sensation of the drill seem frightening.
Reality:
Drilling bone does not hurt because bone does not have the same nerve receptors as soft tissue. You feel pressure and vibration — not pain.
Dr Marko always explains to each patient exactly what they will feel before starting. No surprises.
What if I am very afraid?
For patients who are very afraid, we offer sedation.
What is sedation?
You receive a medication that completely relaxes you before the procedure. You are not under full anaesthesia — you breathe independently — but you are completely calm and without fear. Most patients do not remember the details afterwards.
The procedure is still performed under local anaesthesia — sedation removes fear, local anaesthesia removes pain.
Sedation cost: €500 per session.
What do patients who went through it say?
“I thought I would die of fear. It turned out the only thing I felt was the anaesthesia injection.”
Ana, 52, Stuttgart
“I heard the drilling but felt nothing. Afterwards there was mild pain that passed within a day.”
Miloš, 47, Frankfurt
“I went through All on 4 — 4 implants placed at once. I was aware of everything but it didn't hurt. The next day I was on my feet.”
Dragana, 58, Vienna
Tips for an easier experience
Before the procedure
- ✓Get a good night's sleep
- ✓Eat normally — do not come on an empty stomach unless told otherwise
- ✓Tell the doctor all medications you are taking
- ✓Tell the doctor if you are stressed — the approach can be adapted
After the procedure
- ✓Cold compresses on the cheek for the first 24 hours
- ✓Soft food for 7 to 10 days
- ✓Do not smoke — it slows healing
- ✓Do not drink alcohol for a week
- ✓Regular hygiene — gentle cleaning around the surgical site
Frequently asked questions
Does implant placement hurt?
During the placement itself it does not hurt — it is performed under local anaesthesia. After the procedure there may be mild discomfort for 2 to 3 days, controlled with ibuprofen.
Does drilling the bone hurt?
No. Bone does not have the same nerve receptors as soft tissue. You feel pressure and vibration from the drill — not pain.
What if I am very afraid of the dentist?
We offer sedation — a medication that completely relaxes you during the procedure. You wake up with the procedure finished. Cost: €500 per session.
How long is recovery after implant placement?
The first 2 to 3 days are the most uncomfortable. After a week most patients feel normal. Bone integrates with the implant over 3 to 6 months.
Can I work the day after implant placement?
Most patients can. We recommend a day of rest but it is not mandatory if the job is not physically demanding.
Want to know the exact price for your case?
Every case is different — which is why Dr Marko doesn't give rough estimates. At the free online consultation you get:
- A complete treatment plan
- The exact price for your case
- How many days you need to stay in Belgrade
No opening your mouth on camera. No obligation. No hidden costs.