Placing a single implant normally takes in the region of 45 minutes, whilst larger numbers take longer. Preparing the channel to receive the implant must be done slowly to avoid damage to bone, which is a living tissue. The bone must remain undamaged to be able to heal well around the implant and to make it secure enough to support the final restoration. Normally local anaesthesia (injections in the mouth like those used for normal dental procedures) is used to place up to 2 implants. For larger number of implants, or if more complex bone surgery is required, intravenous sedation is normally offered and rarely a general anaesthetic (a short stay in hospital may be appropriate). Please ask and we will recommend which is more suited to your needs.