Do You Need Sedation for Dental Implants?

If you are considering having dental implant surgery, you may be wondering if anesthesia is necessary and if so, what type of anesthesia will be used. For those who have fears about surgery, or dental appointments in general, the idea there may be pain involved, can bring on much anxiety.

The good news is that, since the process of getting dental implants is an oral surgery procedure, you will be given some kind of anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Although you won’t feel the procedure at all regardless of what type is used, some dental offices may be able to offer different forms of anesthesia that can put you out for the entire procedure. Being completely unconscious, however, is not normally necessary for dental implants.

The type of anesthesia you will receive depends upon how many implants you are having placed, the preference of your oral surgeon, and your own personal comfort level.

Determining the Type of Anesthetic

If you are only having one or two implants placed, you will probably not need general anesthetic. Local anesthetic should be enough for you to be to keep you comfortable while your implants are placed. However, if you require a bone graft surgery in which bone tissue is harvested from elsewhere in your body and placed on your jaw to support your implant, your oral surgeon might prefer to work with you under a general anesthetic.

Another option for dental implant procedure is conscious sedation. This helps you relax during your oral surgery and is often combined with the use of a local anesthetic. The sedative agent is usually administered in pill form or using nitrous oxide gas. In this scenario, you remain conscious enough that you are aware of your surroundings and can respond to your doctor’s questions and instructions, but will be completely relaxed. Conscious sedation is a great option for those who experience anxiety about dental procedures.

Though it might seem preferable to have your surgery under general anesthesia, it is normally unnecessary. Local anesthesia is safer and not as likely to produce unpleasant side effects. Be sure to discuss your options for sedation and anesthesia with your oral surgeon to make sure you make the best choice for you.

Implants in Plano, TX

If you have missing teeth, dental implants can be an excellent option for replacing those missing teeth and restoring your smile’s appearance and full functionality. Rest assured that your dentist will do everything possible to ensure you are as comfortable and safe as possible during the procedure.

To discuss if implants are the right solution for your smile, call Dr. Sowell’s office, Aesthetic Dentistry Centre in Plano at (972) 382-6855 or schedule a consultation online today! We look forward to helping your smile shine!