For many patients, the idea of dental implants is automatically associated with pain. Although the procedure is safe and well controlled from a medical point of view, fear remains one of the main reasons why treatment is postponed.  

On the other hand, in recent years, dental implants have been heavily promoted with messages such as "painless", "quick", "teeth in a day" or "the perfect solution". Although these statements may be true in certain circumstances, they do not always reflect the full medical reality.

Because we want you to make the right decision, we invite you to read this article to find out where the fear of dental implants comes from, how justified it is, but also why it is important to understand the difference between marketing messages and what dental implant treatment really entails. 

Most of the time, fear is triggered by the unknown or the proverbial fear of the dentist, not the procedure itself.

"There are patients who feel fear because of unpleasant memories related to dental treatments or because of stories they have heard from other people. Or I have encountered situations where patients have confessed that dramatic images or explanations found online have induced this fear," explains Dr. Maria Receanu, dentist at DENT ESTET clinics.  

One of the most important factors that can influence the patient's experience is how the procedure is explained to them by the doctor. Therefore, fear decreases significantly when the patient knows:

• what will happen during the procedure, step by step
• what they will feel during the procedure
• how the post-implant recovery will proceed.

"In my opinion, a relationship based on open communication and trust transforms the surgical procedure of inserting a dental implant from an experience considered traumatic into a predictable and safe procedure," says Dr Maria Receanu. 

At DENT ESTET clinics, dental implant treatment is based on digital planning and advanced technologies, which means a high degree of comfort and predictability for the patient.

"For most patients, the biggest fear is related to pain and what actually happens during the procedure. In reality, the procedure is much more comfortable than patients imagine before treatment. Before the actual procedure, a consultation is necessary in order to plan the surgery correctly," explains Dr. Maria Receanu.  

After the consultation, imaging tests (usually CBCT computed tomography) are recommended, the results of which are used by the implantologist to assess the bone and gums and determine the type of implant and its exact position. 

Anaesthesia and pain control

Depending on the doctor's recommendation, but also on the patient's wishes, several types of anaesthesia can be used during the surgical stage.

Local anaesthesia is performed by injecting the anaesthetic substance into the treated area. The patient remains conscious and cooperative, feeling no pain, only pressure and vibrations.
If conscious sedation is chosen, the patient is relaxed, drowsy, and their anxiety is greatly reduced.

"It is important to note that conscious sedation does not mean loss of consciousness; the patient retains their protective reflexes. This type of anaesthesia is recommended for people with an intense fear of the dentist and a pronounced gag reflex," says Dr. Maria Receanu.  

Stages of the dental implant procedure

Stage 1 - Preparing the area

The dental implant insertion procedure begins with disinfecting the oral cavity and administering local anaesthesia.

Stage 2: Making the incision and preparing for the implant

At this stage, an incision is made in the gum to access the bone. Thanks to the local anaesthesia, the patient feels no pain, but at most a slight sensation of pressure. Special drills with continuous irrigation are used to prepare the site for the implant, protecting the bone and surrounding tissues.

Stage 3: Inserting the implant and suturing the gum

The dental implant is inserted and fixed into the bone, a procedure that takes only a few seconds. The patient may feel a slight sensation of pressure, but no pain.

Finally, the gum is sutured to protect the area and allow proper healing. Resorbable sutures are used, which do not need to be removed, or non-resorbable sutures, which will be removed later during a check-up.

"Many patients wonder why dental implants are not painful during the procedure, but unpleasant sensations may occur after the anaesthesia wears off. This difference is normal and depends on how the body reacts to any surgical procedure. During the insertion of the dental implant, deep local anaesthesia is used, which blocks the transmission of pain signals from the nerves to the brain, so that the tissues no longer perceive pain, the patient may feel pressure and vibrations, but the procedure is completely bearable," explains Dr. Maria Receanu.  

Once the anaesthetic wears off, your body starts its normal healing process. At this stage, normal symptoms such as local inflammation, oedema (swelling), sensitivity to touch or mild pain may occur. These manifestations are not a sign of complications, but are part of the body's normal inflammatory response, which helps heal tissues.

"It is important to distinguish between intense pain that does not respond to medication and postoperative discomfort. If the pain is throbbing and increasing, you need to see the doctor who performed the procedure. On the other hand, a feeling of pressure, mild pain when chewing and local sensitivity are normal, temporary symptoms that can be controlled with standard painkillers," adds Dr Maria Receanu. 

How long does the discomfort last after the implant?

It is normal to experience mild to moderate discomfort in the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. After 3 to 5 days, the symptoms should decrease significantly.

After 7 days, most patients no longer feel anything.

The duration may vary depending on:

• the extent of the procedure
• additional procedures (bone grafting, sinus lift)
• individual characteristics of each patient

How is postoperative discomfort controlled?

Usually, after dental implant treatment, the doctor recommends:

• painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs
• applying cold compresses in the first few hours
• avoiding physical exertion and hard foods

"I think it is very important for patients to know that when we say that dental implants 'do not hurt', we are referring to the absence of pain during the procedure, thanks to effective anaesthesia. However, mild discomfort after the procedure is normal and part of the natural healing process. The difference is important so that patients have realistic and accurate expectations, without unnecessary fear, but also without unrealistic promises," says Dr. Maria Receanu.   

At DENT ESTET clinics, modern dental implants are no longer just a surgical procedure, but a digitally planned, precise treatment tailored to each patient.

The expertise of the medical team and the advanced technology used, such as the digital surgical guide, play an essential role in improving the patient experience. The digital surgical guide allows the implant to be inserted with micron precision, which reduces patient discomfort, significantly shortens the operating time and increases the safety of the procedure.

Digital planning: precision before surgery

At DENT ESTET, before implant insertion, treatment is planned using 3D imaging (CBCT) and dedicated digital planning software, such as 3Shape Implant Studio® digital guidance software.

This stage allows the doctor to determine exactly:

• the position of the implant
• the angle of insertion
• the depth and size of the implant
• the relationship with important anatomical structures (nerves, sinuses)

This makes the procedure faster, reduces tissue trauma and minimises the risk of complications.

Surgical guide – the key to successful treatment

In certain cases, digital planning allows for the creation of customised surgical guides, which are used during the procedure to position the implant exactly as planned.

The benefits for the patient are significant:

• smaller incisions
• shorter operating time
• reduced bleeding
• faster recovery

Minimally invasive techniques: faster healing

Modern implantology focuses on tissue preservation.

Thus, where the clinical situation allows, the following can be used:

• flapless techniques (without extensive lifting of the gum)
• immediate post-extraction insertion
• combined procedures in a single session

"In my opinion, patients should know that minimally invasive techniques are not suitable for all cases, but when indicated, they significantly increase patient comfort. We are talking about reduced postoperative pain, fewer sutures and faster healing," adds Dr. Maria Receanu.

The purpose of marketing is to reduce fear and encourage patients to take the first step, which is to schedule a consultation. From this point of view, messages are useful because many patients avoid treatment precisely because of anxiety.
However, a distinction must be made between messages such as "no pain", "quick results" and "standard solutions that work for everyone" and the medical reality.

What does medical reality say?

Medicine operates according to different rules than advertising.

Each patient has:

• a different bone structure
• a different medical history
• their own healing rhythm
• specific prosthetic needs

Therefore, not all implants can be placed "in one day" and not all cases allow for minimally invasive techniques, sometimes requiring additional steps, such as bone grafting, completion of the osseointegration process before loading the temporary dental crown.

Therefore, medical reality is not about universal promises, but about personalised treatment and decisions based on real investigations, not slogans.

Proper medical communication is when the patient receives clear explanations about what the dental implant procedure entails and is presented with both the benefits and risks.

"The goal is not just to attract the patient, but to build a long-term relationship of trust. In the discussion with the patient, the emphasis should be on consultation and diagnosis, not on 'quick fixes'. In addition, decisions should be made together with the patient, not imposed," says Dr. Maria Receanu.

In conclusion, there is an important difference between marketing promises and medical reality: marketing talks about what is possible, medicine decides what is right for each patient. That is why the most important step is the correct consultation and personalised treatment plan. 

1. Al Qutub AW. - Pain Experience after Dental Implant Placement Compared to Tooth Extraction, International Journal of Dentistry, 2021
2. V. Kwok, JG Caton, ID Hart, TS Kim - Dental implant prognostication: A commentary. Journal of Periodontology, 2023
3. F. Eggmann, MB. Blatz - Recent Advances in Intraoral Scanners, Journal of Dental Research, 2024