Let’s be honest—getting a dental implant sounds a little intimidating. The mere thought of someone drilling into your jaw can send shivers down the spine. Naturally, one of the most common questions people ask is: Will they put me to sleep for dental implants? After all, snoozing through the whole thing and waking up with a brand-new smile sounds pretty appealing.
It depends on various factors, including your comfort level, the complexity of the procedure, and what type of anaesthesia your dentist offers. Let’s break it down in a way that doesn’t sound like a medical textbook but still gives you all the practical knowledge you need.
Dental Implants Cost
Now that you know what to expect, let’s talk money. The cost of dental implants varies depending on where you go, the complexity of your case, and the dentist’s experience, especially when considering dental implants cost london.
Single Tooth Implant Cost
| Procedure | Average Cost |
| Single Implant (including crown) | £1,999 – £2,500 |
| Bone Graft (if needed) | £300 – £1,500 |
Disclaimer: The prices listed are average estimates and may vary based on individual cases, clinic location, and additional procedures required.”
Understanding Anaesthesia Options for Dental Implants
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to anaesthesia for dental implants. Some enjoy staying awake during the procedure, while others would rather be in dreamland. Here are the most common anaesthesia options available in the UK:
1. Local Anaesthesia: You’re Awake but Numb
Most dental implant procedures in the UK are performed under local anaesthesia. This means the dentist injects a numbing agent into the area where the implant is placed. You’ll be fully conscious, able to hear the sounds of the drill (unfortunately) and feel some pressure, but there won’t be any pain.
Best for:
- Comfortable patients being awake during dental procedures.
- Single or multiple implant placements that aren’t too complex.
- Those who prefer a faster recovery time.
What it feels like:
- You’ll feel a pinch when the anaesthetic is injected, but after that, your mouth will be completely numb.
- You may feel some pressure or vibrations, but no pain.
- You’ll be able to drive home immediately after the procedure.
2. IV Sedation: The “I-Don’t-Want-to-Know” Option
If the thought of staying awake makes you sweat, IV sedation is a fantastic option. This is a deeper form of conscious sedation where medication is administered through a vein in your arm. You won’t be fully unconscious, but you’ll be so relaxed that you won’t care what’s happening.
Best for:
- Patients with dental anxiety.
- Those undergoing multiple implant placements or more complex procedures.
- People who don’t want to remember a thing about the procedure.
What it feels like:
- You’ll feel incredibly drowsy and may even doze off, but you can still respond to verbal cues.
- You probably won’t remember much of the procedure afterward.
- You’ll need someone to drive you home.
3. General Anaesthesia: Complete Unconsciousness
General anaesthesia is rarely used for dental implants unless there’s a significant medical reason. Unlike IV sedation, which keeps you in a twilight state, general anaesthesia puts you into a deep sleep. It’s usually only done in a hospital setting, as it requires more intensive monitoring.
Best for:
- Patients with extreme dental phobia.
- Complex cases, such as full-mouth restorations.
- Those who cannot tolerate local anaesthesia or IV sedation.
What it feels like:
- You’ll be completely asleep and won’t feel a thing.
- You’ll wake up with no memory of the procedure.
- The recovery time is longer, and you must arrange transportation home.
Comparing Anaesthesia Options
| Anaesthesia Type | Awareness Level | Recovery Time | Need for an Escort? |
| Local Anaesthesia | Fully awake | Immediate | No |
| IV Sedation | Semi-conscious but drowsy | Few hours | Yes |
| General Anaesthesia | Fully unconscious | Several hours | Yes |
How Painful is Getting a Dental Implant?
One of the biggest concerns people have is whether the procedure hurts. The good news? The actual implant surgery is entirely pain-free. Thanks to modern anaesthesia techniques, you won’t feel discomfort during the procedure. The real challenge is the recovery period, which varies from person to person.
- First 24 Hours: You might experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. Painkillers will be your best friend.
- Next Few Days: The discomfort starts to ease, and any stitches will begin to dissolve.
- One Week Later: Most people feel fine, although complete healing takes a few months.
All-on-4 Implants cost
All on 4 implants london is a game-changer for people who need a complete set of new teeth. Rather than placing an implant for each missing tooth, just four strategically placed implants support an entire arch of teeth.
| Procedure | Average Cost |
| All-on-4 (one arch) | £9, 500 |
| All-on-4 (both arches) | £18,000 |
Disclaimer: The costs mentioned are approximate and can vary based on individual cases, clinic location, and required preparatory procedures. Always consult your dentist for a personalised quote.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The duration of a dental implant procedure depends on multiple factors, including the number of implants being placed and whether additional treatments, such as bone grafts, are needed.
| Number of Implants | Estimated Time |
| Single Implant | 30-60 minutes |
| Multiple Implants | 1-3 hours |
| All-on-4 Implants | 2-4 hours |
This table provides a general estimate, but every patient’s case is unique. The time may vary if your dentist expects complications or requires preparatory procedures.
Conclusion: Should You Be Put to Sleep for Dental Implants?
Whether or not you need to be put to sleep for dental implants depends entirely on your comfort level and the complexity of your procedure. Most people in the UK opt for local anaesthesia, but IV sedation is a great middle ground if you want to be blissfully unaware. General anaesthesia is typically reserved for extensive cases.
The good news? No matter which option you choose, the procedure is painless. Recovery is manageable, and the result—a brand-new, natural-looking smile—is well worth it.
At Complete Smiles, we offer personalised treatment plans to make your dental implant journey as smooth as possible. If you’re still unsure about the best anaesthesia option for you, book a consultation and let’s chat about your needs.
Author Bio: Malavi Sivakanesan
Malavi Sivakanesan is the Co-founder & Operations Director at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.
