Gum graft and Implant Archives

If you’re considering dental implants but feeling nervous about pain, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions patients ask is: “Is getting a dental implant painful?”

The short reassurance?
Most patients say dental implant treatment is far less painful than they expected.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what dental implant pain feels like, how long recovery takes, and what you can do to heal comfortably and confidently.

Does Getting a Dental Implant Hurt?

During the dental implant procedure, you should not feel pain. The area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic, similar to what’s used for fillings or tooth extractions.

Many patients are surprised to learn that:

Dental implant surgery is often less uncomfortable than having a tooth removed
You may feel pressure or vibration, but not sharp pain
Anxiety is usually worse than the procedure itself

If you’re particularly nervous, sedation options may also be available to help you relax.

What Does Dental Implant Pain Feel Like Afterwards?

After the anaesthetic wears off, it’s normal to experience mild to moderate discomfort, especially in the first few days.

Common sensations include:

Soreness around the implant site
Mild swelling of the gums or cheek
Slight bruising
Tenderness when chewing

This is all part of the normal healing process and is usually well managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Most patients describe the pain as dull and manageable, not severe.

Dental Implant Recovery Time: What to Expect

First 24–72 Hours

Mild swelling and tenderness peak
Soft foods recommended
Pain relief as advised by your dentist

1–2 Weeks

Gums begin to heal
Stitches (if used) may dissolve or be removed
Discomfort significantly reduces

3–6 Months (Healing Phase)

The implant integrates with the jawbone (osseointegration)
No ongoing pain
Implant becomes stable and strong

Implant recovery time varies, but most patients return to normal routines within a few days.

How Painful Is Dental Implant Healing Compared to Other Treatments?

Many patients report that dental implant pain is:

Less than wisdom tooth removal
Comparable to a routine extraction
Easier than expected overall

Because implants don’t involve neighbouring teeth, recovery is often smoother than bridges or more invasive dental procedures.

Dental Implant Aftercare Tips to Reduce Pain

Following proper aftercare plays a huge role in keeping discomfort minimal and healing on track.

Do:

✔ Take prescribed or recommended pain relief
✔ Apply a cold compress for swelling
✔ Eat soft foods (soups, yoghurt, mashed vegetables)
✔ Keep the area clean with gentle brushing

Avoid:

✖ Smoking (this delays healing)
✖ Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
✖ Touching the implant site
✖ Strenuous exercise for a few days

Good aftercare = faster healing + less pain.

When Should You Be Concerned About Pain?

While mild discomfort is normal, you should contact your dentist if you experience:

Severe or worsening pain after several days
Increasing swelling or redness
Fever or signs of infection
Pain when biting months after placement

These issues are uncommon but should always be checked promptly.

Are Dental Implants Worth It Despite the Fear of Pain?

For most patients, the answer is yes.

Dental implants:

Look and feel like natural teeth
Restore chewing comfort and confidence
Prevent bone loss in the jaw
Offer a long-term solution compared to dentures or bridges

And importantly — the pain is temporary, the benefits are long-lasting.

Thinking About Dental Implants?

If fear of pain has been holding you back, a personalised consultation can make all the difference. Understanding the process, recovery time, and pain management options helps patients feel confident and in control.

Book your consultation with our implant dentist to discuss your concerns and find out whether dental implants are right for you.

If you’ve been told you need a dental implant, it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous. One of the most common concerns we hear at Hammersmith Dental Care is:

“What actually happens during a dental implant procedure?”

The good news? Modern implant dentistry is carefully planned, highly predictable, and far more comfortable than many patients expect.

This step-by-step guide explains the dental implant procedure, what you’ll experience at each stage, and how we ensure patients across Hammersmith and Fulham feel informed, relaxed, and confident throughout the process.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It is placed into the jawbone and supports a natural-looking crown, bridge, or denture.

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth because they:

Look and feel like natural teeth
Protect the jawbone from shrinkage
Do not rely on neighbouring teeth for support
Can last many years with proper care

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Assessment

Every successful dental implant procedure starts with careful planning.

During your consultation at Hammersmith Dental Care, your implant dentist will:

Assess your oral and general health
Take detailed digital X-rays or 3D scans
Check bone quality and gum health
Discuss your goals and concerns
Explain whether additional treatments (such as bone grafting) are needed

This stage is crucial — it ensures your implant surgery process is safe, personalised, and predictable.

Step 2: Preparing for Implant Surgery

If your mouth is healthy and ready, we move to the preparation stage.

This may include:

Treating gum disease if present
Removing a failing tooth (if required)
Planning bone grafting if bone volume is insufficient

Many patients are surprised to learn that preparation is often minor and straightforward.

Step 3: Implant Placement (The Surgery)

This is the part most patients worry about — but it’s usually the easiest.

What happens during implant surgery?

The area is fully numbed using local anaesthetic
The implant is gently placed into the jawbone
The procedure is precise and controlled
Most patients feel pressure, not pain

In fact, many people say implant placement is more comfortable than a tooth extraction.

Time:
Usually 30–60 minutes per implant

Step 4: Healing & Osseointegration

After placement, the implant needs time to bond with the jawbone — a process called osseointegration.

What to expect:

Mild swelling or tenderness for a few days
Normal daily activities resumed quickly
The implant gradually becomes part of the bone

Healing time:
Typically 3–6 months, depending on individual healing and bone quality.

This stage is key to creating a strong, long-lasting foundation for your new tooth.

Step 5: Abutment & Final Tooth Placement

Once healing is complete:

A small connector (abutment) is attached to the implant
Custom impressions are taken
Your final crown is carefully designed to match your natural teeth
The crown is securely fitted

The result is a tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural one.

Is the Dental Implant Procedure Painful?

This is one of the biggest fears — and one of the biggest misconceptions.

Most patients report:

Little to no pain during surgery
Mild discomfort afterwards, managed with standard pain relief
A smoother recovery than expected

Your comfort is always a priority at Hammersmith Dental Care, and we take time to explain each step so there are no surprises.

How Long Does the Full Implant Process Take?

The full implant surgery process varies depending on your individual needs:

Simple cases: around 3–4 months
More complex cases: up to 6–9 months

While it takes time, the result is a stable, long-term solution that protects both your smile and jawbone.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Dental implants are ideal if you want:

A fixed, non-removable solution
A natural appearance
Improved chewing and speech
Long-term tooth replacement
To avoid dentures or bridges

Patients across Hammersmith and Fulham choose implants because they restore confidence as well as function.

Speak to Our Implant Dentist

If you’re considering dental implants but still have questions or concerns, the best next step is a personalised consultation.

At Hammersmith Dental Care, we believe informed patients feel calmer, more confident, and more in control of their treatment.

Speak to our implant dentist today to find out whether dental implants are right for you.

Many people assume that all dental problems can be treated by a general dentist — but when it comes to gum disease, gum recession, and bone loss, specialist care can make a crucial difference.

A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Knowing when to see a gum specialist can help you protect your teeth, avoid unnecessary tooth loss, and improve your long-term oral health.

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our periodontist provides expert-led periodontal care for patients at all stages of gum disease.

What Is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on:

Gum health
Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
Bone loss around teeth
Gum recession
Dental implant health

After qualifying as a dentist, a periodontist completes several additional years of postgraduate training, gaining expertise in advanced diagnostics, non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatments, and long-term maintenance of gum health.

What Does a Periodontist Do?

A periodontist provides specialist care beyond routine dental cleaning.

1. Diagnose Gum Disease Accurately

Periodontists use detailed assessments to detect gum disease early, including:

Measuring gum pocket depths
Assessing bone levels
Identifying inflammation and infection
Evaluating risk factors such as smoking or diabetes

2. Treat Moderate to Advanced Gum Disease

For patients with periodontitis, a periodontist can provide:

Deep cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
Targeted antimicrobial therapy
Specialist periodontal treatment plans
Supportive periodontal maintenance

These treatments aim to stop disease progression and stabilise the gums.

3. Treat Gum Recession

Gum recession can cause sensitivity, aesthetic concerns, and root exposure.
A periodontist can offer:

Non-surgical management
Gum grafting procedures
Treatment to prevent further recession

4. Manage Dental Implants & Peri-Implantitis

Periodontists are experts in the health of tissues around dental implants, including:

Prevention of implant complications
Treatment of peri-implantitis
Long-term implant maintenance

5. Perform Advanced Periodontal Surgery

In more advanced cases, treatment may include:

Regenerative procedures
Surgical periodontal therapy
Bone and tissue preservation techniques

When Should You See a Gum Specialist?

You should consider seeing a periodontist if you notice:

Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Swollen or red gums
Persistent bad breath
Gum recession or teeth looking longer
Loose or shifting teeth
A history of gum disease
Dental implants that feel uncomfortable
You smoke or have diabetes

Early referral to a gum specialist can prevent permanent damage.

Why Specialist Periodontal Care Matters

Gum disease is often painless — but its effects can be serious.

Without specialist treatment, periodontal disease can lead to:

Bone loss
Tooth movement
Tooth loss
Implant failure
Complex and costly treatment

Seeing a periodontist early often means simpler, more comfortable treatment and better long-term results.

Periodontal Care at Hammersmith Dental Care

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our periodontist offers:

✔ Comprehensive gum assessments
✔ Evidence-based periodontal treatment
✔ Personalised maintenance programmes
✔ Long-term gum stability and prevention

We work closely with your general dentist to ensure seamless care.

Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems in the UK — yet many people don’t realise they have it until it becomes serious. Because gum disease often progresses quietly, recognising the early signs can help you protect your teeth, prevent bone loss, and avoid more complex treatment in the future.

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our periodontal team helps patients spot the warning signs early and get the specialist care they need to keep their gums healthy for life.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (periodontal disease) happens when plaque bacteria cause inflammation of the gums.
It begins as gingivitis, and if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis, leading to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

The sooner gum disease is detected, the easier it is to treat — and the better the long-term outcome for your oral health.

Early Signs of Gum Disease You Should Never Ignore

1- Bleeding Gums

If your gums bleed when brushing, flossing, or eating, it is not normal.
Bleeding is usually the first sign of gum inflammation.

Why it matters:
Bleeding indicates that plaque and bacteria are building up around the gumline, causing irritation and swelling

2- Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums

Healthy gums should be firm and pink.
Redness or puffiness means your immune system is responding to bacteria.

Why it matters:
Swelling is an early indicator of gingivitis and can progress quickly without treatment.

3- Bad Breath That Doesn’t Go Away

Persistent bad breath (halitosis) or an unpleasant taste can be caused by trapped bacteria under the gums.

Why it matters:
Gum infection produces gases that cause odour — a strong sign that harmful bacteria are present.

4- Receding Gums

Your teeth may start to look “longer” as the gums shrink away from the surface.

Why it matters:
Gum recession is often linked to early periodontitis and can expose the roots, causing sensitivity and increasing the risk of tooth loss.

5- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

When the gums pull back, the root surface becomes exposed, leading to discomfort or sharp sensitivity.

Why it matters:
This is a sign that gum inflammation has already started to damage tissue.

6- Loose Teeth or Changes to Your Bite

In advanced stages, patients may notice movement in their teeth or that their bite feels different.

Why it matters:
This indicates bone loss, which requires urgent periodontal treatment.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Treating gum disease early prevents:

Gum recession
Bone loss
Tooth mobility
Tooth loss
Pain and infection
The need for surgery

Early diagnosis often means treatment can be non-surgical and more comfortable, such as:

Professional deep cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
Hygiene therapy
Targeted periodontal treatment
Home-care guidance to support long-term gum health

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our periodontist provides advanced care for all stages of gum disease, ensuring predictable, long-lasting results.

When to See a Periodontist

You should book a periodontal assessment if you notice:

✔ Ongoing bleeding gums
✔ Bad breath despite cleaning
✔ Gum recession
✔ Loose teeth
✔ A family history of gum disease
✔ You smoke or have diabetes (higher risk)

Our specialist-led team offers comprehensive gum assessments using advanced diagnostic tools

Expert care for implant patients at Hammersmith Dental Care

Healthy gums are essential for successful dental implants. However, many patients worry that gum disease will prevent them from getting implants. Fortunately, with the right treatment, most people can still restore their smile. At Hammersmith Dental Care, we specialise in helping patients with gum disease, gum recession, and bone loss prepare for safe and predictable implant treatment. As a result, even those with complex gum concerns can often receive implants successfully.

Why Gum Health Matters for Dental Implants

Dental implants need strong bone and healthy gum tissue to stay firmly in place. Without proper gum health, several problems may occur. For example, untreated gum disease can lead to:

Bone loss around the implant
Inflammation (peri-implantitis)
A higher risk of implant failure
Delayed healing

In fact, the American Academy of Periodontology confirms that gum disease is a major cause of tooth and bone loss — both of which are crucial for implant success. Therefore, treating gum disease before implant placement is essential.

Can You Have Dental Implants If You Have Gum Disease?

Yes — in most cases. You can still have dental implants as long as gum disease is treated first. Although gum problems may seem like a barrier, most patients can move forward once their gums have been stabilised.

At Hammersmith Dental Care, we may recommend several treatments to achieve this, such as:

Deep cleaning (scaling & root planing)
Gum infection control
Bone grafting where bone loss has occurred
Gum grafting for receding gums
Tailored periodontal maintenance before and after implants

Once your gums are healthy and stable, implants can be placed safely using modern, 3D-guided techniques. Consequently, your treatment becomes both more predictable and more comfortable.

Benefits of Implants for Patients With Previous Gum Problems

Dental implants offer long-term advantages, especially for patients who have experienced gum disease. For instance, implants can provide:

Prevention of further bone loss
Improved chewing function
Better oral hygiene and stability
A natural-looking, confident smile
Long-term reliability when gum disease is well-managed

Moreover, research shows that dental implants have high success rates even in patients with a history of periodontal disease — provided treatment is completed first. Therefore, proper preparation greatly increases the chances of long-term success.

Our Implant Process at Hammersmith Dental Care

1.Gum and Bone Assessment

First, we examine the gums, check bone levels, and identify any active infection. This ensures that we understand your oral health fully before planning treatment.

2. Periodontal Treatment

Next, we stabilise gum disease and prepare the mouth for implant placement. This step is essential for long-term implant success.

3. Precision-Guided Implant Placement

After your gums are healthy, we use 3D scanning and guided surgery to place implants with maximum accuracy and comfort.

4. Long-Term Maintenance

Finally, ongoing hygiene appointments and regular monitoring help keep your gums and implants healthy for many years.

Book Your Implant Consultation in Hammersmith

If you’re dealing with gum problems but want to replace missing teeth, we can help.
Our experienced team provides personalised care for complex gum and implant cases.