When you come in to see us for dental implants at Pall Mall Dental in Liverpool, you’ll usually be awake, and your implants will be fitted under a local anaesthetic. However, it’s natural to be nervous about the procedure, and we do offer a range of treatment options to help make the implant process as comfortable as possible.
For longer or more complex treatment, or severe anxiety, we may also offer sedation.
Can I have a general anaesthetic for dental implants?
General anaesthetic isn’t given in dental practices in the UK. When it’s needed, it takes place in a hospital, where a specialist anaesthetist puts you to sleep and monitors you throughout. Your dentist can’t administer it themselves, but they can refer you if it’s the right option for you.
For most people, it isn’t needed. A local anaesthetic numbs the implant area so you shouldn’t feel pain. If you’re nervous, or you’re having several implants at once, sedation is usually a gentler middle ground. You stay awake and able to respond, but feel calm and relaxed.
A general anaesthetic is usually only considered for more complex cases, or for patients with severe anxiety or particular medical needs, where sedation isn’t enough. We’ll talk through which option suits you at your consultation.
Are dental implants painful?
Because the dental implant procedure takes place under a local anaesthetic, the implant site will be completely numbed, so you should not feel pain during the procedure itself. You’ll feel pressure but not pain, a bit like someone pressing on your arm through a thick winter coat. However, following your dental implants you may feel some soreness, and there may be some swelling or bruising. This can generally be treated with over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol, as advised by your dentist.
You may notice mild bleeding in the first few hours following surgery, so be sure to keep the gauze dressing over the implant site.
How many days should I rest after a dental implant?
Most people need 2 to 3 days off work after a single implant, and around a week before returning to the gym.
| First 24-48 hours after the procedure | Rest as much as possible. Avoid lifting, bending over or strenuous exercise or other physical activity, as this could provoke bleeding at the implant site. |
| 2-3 days | If you have a desk job, you will normally be able to go back after 2-3 days. |
| 3-5 days | If your job involves physical labour or working outside, you will usually be able to return to work after 3-5 days. |
| 5-7 days | Wait at least 5-7 days before returning to the gym or doing heavy physical exercise. |
How we keep you comfortable during dental implants
The wellbeing of our patients in Liverpool is at the heart of everything we do. When you come in for the procedure, we will ensure that your experience with us is stress-free and comfortable throughout.
-
Highly trained dental staff
Our professional dental team are highly experienced in all aspects of dental implants, and in providing patients from all walks of life with personalised care. We’ll check in with you before and after your surgery, ensuring that you are fully informed about the implant process as well as any other dental procedures you may need.
-
A relaxing environment
Like any surgical procedure, the dental implant process can provoke stress for some patients. At Pall Mall Dental, you can feel free to bring headphones to listen to music, podcasts or books if you feel these will help relieve or distract from stress.
We aim to provide a relaxed environment for patients of any age or background, and encourage you to bring a support person to accompany you on your appointment if this will be helpful.
-
Professional expertise
Dental implants are one of the most popular, trusted and effective ways to replace missing or failing teeth. Our team will use the latest dental technology to ensure that your new implants look and feel exactly like your missing teeth, and restore your bite function.
Can I ask for sedation for dental implant surgery?
Yes. If you’re nervous, you can ask about sedation at your consultation at our Liverpool practice. To check if it’s the right call, we’ll ask you detailed questions about your dental and medical history. We encourage you to open up about any trauma, anxiety or previous negative experiences at the dentist so that we can tailor our approach to your needs.
Are there any side effects to sedation or anaesthetic for implants?
Local anaesthetic or sedation for dental implants is usually safe, and you should not experience any serious or lasting side effects. However, during your initial consultation with us, we will ask about your medical history, including any medication you are on or previous allergic reactions, so that we can ensure we find the right treatment for you.
Local anaesthetic will make your mouth and jaw completely numb, and may take hours or longer to completely wear off once your implants have been fitted. Your mouth is numb so it’s easy to burn it or bite your cheek without noticing. To avoid this, we recommend chewing on the opposite side if possible, avoiding anything too hot or too cold, and eating a diet of soft foods in the first week so your implant can heal properly.
A local anaesthetic should have no effect on your ability to drive. However, if you have had sedation for your dental implants, we ask that you:
- Do not drive for 24 hours after your procedure
- Do not take public transport back from your appointment
- Arrange for someone to take you home afterwards
If you’re having sedation and your appointment is in the morning, according to the NHS, you should not eat anything after midnight the previous night, although you can drink a glass of water up to 2 hours before your appointment. If it’s an afternoon appointment, we recommend eating a light breakfast before 7am. When you come in for your consultation and treatment planning appointment, we’ll provide you with more detailed advice.
Maintaining good oral hygiene with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss or interdental brushes will also help you avoid any complications after your implant surgery.
Find out if dental implants are for you
Will I be awake during the dental implant process?
Dental implants usually only require a local anaesthetic, so you will be awake, although your mouth will be numbed and you should not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure itself. However, in certain situations we do offer sedation; in this case, you may fall asleep or be very drowsy while the procedure is taking place. After you have had dental implant surgery, we recommend that you rest as much as possible to allow yourself time to recover.
At Pall Mall Dental in Liverpool, we are experts in dental implants and will be able to answer any questions you may have about the process, and provide you with more detailed advice, including on the local anaesthetic or sedation process.