Implant Placement Day: What to Expect
From arrival to leaving with a healing abutment — here's the full timeline of implant surgery day.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Rashid
Medical Director
Before arrival
- Pre-op antibiotic if prescribed
- Normal breakfast (unless IV sedation)
- Arrange ride home if sedation
The appointment
Pre-surgery
- Final photos and confirmations
- Local anaesthetic (or sedation)
- Sterile setup
Surgery (30–60 min)
- Gum opened if needed
- Pilot drill, sequential drills
- Implant placed
- Healing abutment or cover screw
- 1–2 stitches
After
- Post-op instructions reviewed
- Prescription for painkillers
- Follow-up booked for 7–10 days
What you'll feel
- Pressure, not pain, during drilling
- Mild soreness after numbness wears off
- Able to drive home (unless sedation)
References
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists
Referenced sources
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists
Medical disclaimer. This article is informational and does not replace professional clinical advice. For a plan specific to your situation, book a consultation with a Paradise Dental specialist.
Related reading
Implant Surgery Recovery: Day by Day
What to expect on day 1, day 3, and week 1 after dental implant surgery. Plus: what's normal, what isn't, and when to call.
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants: When You Need It
About half of implant cases in adults over 50 need some bone augmentation. Here's what grafting involves, costs, and healing timelines.
Implant Second-Stage Surgery
For buried implants, a small second surgery exposes them for the crown. Here's what happens.