If you thinking about having dental implant surgery, you may be nervous about if anesthesia is necessary and if so, what type of anesthesia will your dentist use? For those who have anxiety about surgery, or just about seeing the dentist, the idea there may be pain involved, may cause you to think twice about the procedure.
The good news is that, because having dental implants installed is a surgery, your dentist will give you some kind of anesthesia to help you stay comfortable during the procedure. Although regardless of what type of anesthesia you use you won’t feel the procedure, some dental offices may offer different forms of anesthesia that can put you to sleep for the entire procedure. However, being completely unconscious isn’t normally necessary for the surgery.
The type of anesthesia your dentist will use depends upon how many implants you are having placed, the preference of your dentist (or oral surgeon), and your own personal comfort level with dental work.
Determining the Type of Anesthetic
For only one or two implants, you will most likely not need general anesthetic which would cause you to fall unconscious. For these cases, local anesthetic should be enough to keep you comfortable while your implants are installed. However, if you need a bone graft surgery because there is not enough healthy bone tissue on your jaw to support your implant, your dentist or oral surgeon might prefer to work with you under a general anesthetic.
Another popular option for patients undergoing dental implant procedures is conscious sedation. This method will help you relax during your oral surgery and is often used in combination with a local anesthetic. The sedative agent is usually given to the patient in pill form or using nitrous oxide gas.
With conscious sedation, you remain aware of your surroundings and can respond to your dentist’s questions and instructions, but will be completely relaxed. Conscious sedation is a great option for people who feel anxiety or have phobias about dental procedures.
Though it might seem more desirable to have your dental implant surgery under general anesthesia so you are not aware of the procedure, it is normally unnecessary. Local anesthesia is safer and much less likely to produce unpleasant side effects. Be sure to discuss your options for sedation and anesthesia with your dentist or oral surgeon to make sure you make the best choice for you.
Implants in West Lancaster, CA
If you have missing teeth or are living with severely damaged teeth, dental implants can be an excellent option for restoring the appearance and full functionality of your smile. You can be sure that your dentist will do everything they can to help you be as comfortable as possible during the procedure while also keeping you safe.
To discuss if implants are the right solution for your smile, call our office, Smile Dental Group in West Lancaster at (661) 383-0186 or schedule a consultation online today! We look forward to helping you smile your best smile!