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What kind of anesthesia will be used during dental implant surgery?
Dental implantation is a relatively straightforward procedure, but for those not comfortable in the dentist’s chair, it can be a daunting and intimidating experience. Most dentists will recommend a local anesthetic for treatment, however patients who feel that will not be enough, do have other options. Choosing the anesthesia that will best suit your dental implant surgery will ease your concerns, allowing for a smoother experience.
Local Anesthesia
The most well known form of dental anesthesia, most dental implant surgeries can be performed using a local anesthetic, usually lidocaine. The lidocaine will be injected into the area being treated, which will result in numbness of the area. This treatment is often preferred since it has limited side effects and does not affect the mental state of the patient.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas”, is sometimes used to provide a state of relaxation for those patients who are uneasy about the procedure. This inhaled anesthesia is particularly useful when patients may need more relaxation than the average patient. There are very few side effects to nitrous oxide, the most common of which is the euphoric feeling that accompanies the sedation.
Intravenous Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation involves medication given intravenously (and is often used in conjunction with local anesthesia). This puts the patient into a state known as conscious sedation or “twilight sleep”, which allows the patient to have no memory of the surgery. This form of anesthesia is useful for patients who may be too uncomfortable with being awake for the dental implant treatment.
Intravenous sedation can often result in a slight nauseous feeling, but is otherwise very safe for patients. Recovering from intravenous sedation takes longer because the medicine will remain in the blood stream for a period of time following treatment. Operating vehicles or heavy machinery during this period is strictly prohibited.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is sometimes used for dental implant surgery, but it is less common because it has more risks and more side effects than IV sedation, requires additional certifications and personnel, and can only be used in a specialist’s office.
Before undergoing dental implantation, discuss all of your anesthesia options with your dentist to find the right fit for your individual needs.