--- title: What to Expect During Dental Implant Surgery | The Campbell Clinic description: Nervous about dental implant surgery? Discover what happens before, during, and after the procedure, including anaesthetic, recovery, and comfort options. image: https://offer.campbell-clinic.co.uk/hubfs/Campbell%201.png --- - [ Book Here! ](https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=WJH8e1Qngk25JAMiir601f1RzfxH-69PsIaGJ-DnCzVUOEdBU0JZNzRFRFRHUTNCWVAzOVlIRkFEWi4u) # What to Expect During Dental Implant Surgery # What to Expect During Dental Implant Surgery | The Campbell Clinic 🦷 **Quick answer:** Dental implant surgery is typically comfortable and pain-free with local anaesthetic (sedation available if needed). A single implant often takes around an hour, and you can go home the same day. Understanding what happens during [dental implant treatment](https://www.campbell-clinic.co.uk/dental-implants-nottingham) helps most patients feel calm and confident. Below, we walk you through the step-by-step process at The Campbell Clinic in Nottingham and point you to related guides, including [what to expect after surgery](https://www.campbell-clinic.co.uk/blog/what-to-expect-after-dental-implant-surgery) and a detailed comparison of [implants, dentures, and](https://www.campbell-clinic.co.uk/blog/dental-implants-vs-dentures-vs-bridges)[ bridges](https://www.campbell-clinic.co.uk/blog/dental-implants-vs-dentures-vs-bridges). --- ## Step 1: Preparation and Planning - Comprehensive assessment and 3D imaging to check bone quantity/quality. - A personalised plan, including whether bone grafting or a temporary tooth is advisable. - Clear preoperative instructions (e.g., fasting if sedation is required). **Common question:** *“Can I have more than one implant placed in the same visit?” *Yes, many patients have multiple implants fitted in one session when clinically appropriate. Your clinician will advise what’s suitable for you. --- ## Step 2: Anaesthetic and Sedation The implant site is numbed thoroughly with local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. For nervous patients, we also offer sedation to help you feel relaxed and at ease throughout. **Common question:** *“Do I need sedation?”* Not always. Most implants are placed comfortably with local anaesthetic alone. Sedation is an option if you’re anxious or for procedures that are longer than usual. --- ## Step 3: Placing the Implant - A small opening is made in the gum to access the bone. - The titanium implant is gently placed into the prepared site. - Stitches (often dissolvable) close the gum to protect the area. **What you might notice:** pressure, vibration, and some sound are all normal. Local anaesthetic prevents pain, but sensation isn’t completely “switched off.” --- ## How Long Does Surgery Take? It varies by case. A single implant is often completed in about **60–90 minutes**, while multiple implants or additional procedures (e.g., bone grafting) take longer. Your clinician will give you a realistic time estimate in advance. **Common question:** *“Will I be able to drive home?”* If you’ve only had local anaesthetic, yes. If you’ve had sedation, you’ll need someone to collect you and stay with you for a short period. --- ## Step 4: Immediate Recovery - Short rest at the dental practice before heading home the same day. - Mild discomfort for a few days is common and usually managed with routine pain relief. - You’ll receive tailored aftercare instructions and a follow-up plan. Planning the days after your procedure? Read our companion guide: [What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery](https://www.campbell-clinic.co.uk/blog/what-to-expect-after-dental-implant-surgery). --- ## Step 5: Healing, Integration & Your New Teeth The implant bonds with your jawbone in a process called *osseointegration* (typically **6–12 weeks**). Once your teeth are stable, we fit your custom crown, bridge, or denture. **Common question:** *“How soon will I get a tooth on the implant?”* In some cases, a temporary tooth can be provided on the day (“same-day” approaches), but the final restoration is usually fitted after the implant has integrated for long-term stability. Comparing your options while you wait for the final stage? This guide helps: [Dental Implants vs Dentures vs Bridges](https://www.campbell-clinic.co.uk/blog/dental-implants-vs-dentures-vs-bridges). If you’ve had gum disease before, you may also find this helpful: [Can I Get Implants if I’ve Had Gum Disease?](https://www.campbell-clinic.co.uk/blog/dental-implants-after-gum-disease) --- ## FAQs: During Dental Implant Surgery **Will I feel pain during the procedure?** No, a local anaesthetic is used to keep you comfortable. You may feel pressure or vibration, but not pain. **Is a bone graft more painful?** Not usually. Bone grafting is common and performed under the same anaesthetic. Recovery is similar to implant-only cases. **How many implants can be placed at once?** Several can often be placed in one visit when appropriate. Your clinician will advise based on your scan and treatment goals. **When can I go back to work?** Many patients return the next day, depending on the complexity of treatment and whether sedation was used. --- ## Final Thoughts Dental implant surgery is a carefully planned procedure designed to keep you comfortable and safe at every stage. Our team combines surgical expertise with Straumann implant systems and long-term support to help you achieve a stable, natural result. [Book an Implant Consultation](https://www.campbell-clinic.co.uk/contact-us) [Learn about Dental Implants in Nottingham](https://www.campbell-clinic.co.uk/dental-implants-nottingham) Topics: [dental implants](https://offer.campbell-clinic.co.uk/blog/tag/dental-implants) ## [Colin Campbell](https://offer.campbell-clinic.co.uk/blog/author/colin-campbell) Colin qualified in dentistry from the University of Glasgow in 1994. In 2009 he became a director in Campbell and Peace Specialist Practice and in 2013 formed The Campbell Clinic. Colin has placed over 4,000 implants and restored many of these, he has also carried out over 10,000 surgical procedures. ### Contact ![cp-logo](https://offer.campbell-clinic.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/cp-logo.png?width=165&height=48&name=cp-logo.png) - The Campbell Clinic Edwalton Business Park  Landmere Lane Edwalton Nottingham NG12 4JL - Telephone: [0115 982 3913](tel:01159823913) - Email: [info@campbell-clinic.co.uk](mailto:info@campbell-clinic.co.uk) [Book Your Appointment](https://www.campbell-clinic.co.uk/book-your-appointment) Copyright © 2026 The Campbell Clinic [**](https://www.facebook.com/thecampbellclinic/) [**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLwLyiv-SSa0lvzbFQTmYVw) [**](https://twitter.com/ColinCampbellFA) [**](https://www.instagram.com/thecampbellclinicnottingham/?hl=en-gb) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "alternativeHeadline" : "Your guide to dental implant surgery at The Campbell Clinic in Nottingham", "articleSection" : "Dental Implants", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Colin Campbell" }, "dateModified" : "2025-08-20", "datePublished" : "2025-08-20", "description" : "Nervous about dental implant surgery? 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