If you have been thinking about having dental implant surgery to restore your damaged smile, you may be wondering if anesthesia is necessary and if so, what type is commonly used. For those people who have anxiety about surgery, or dental appointments in general, the thought that there might be pain involved, can be a major concern.
If this is you, you will probably be relieved to learn that, since the procedure of having dental implants installed is an oral surgery, you will be given some form of anesthesia to help you remain comfortable throughout and afterward.
Although you won’t be able to feel pain from the procedure while it is in process regardless of what type is used, some dental offices may offer different forms of anesthesia, including some that can put you out for the entire procedure. It is not normally necessary, however, for a patient to be completely unconscious to receive dental implants.
The type of anesthesia you will be administered will depend upon how many implants you are having installed, the preference of your dentist or oral surgeon, and your own personal comfort level.
Determining the Type of Anesthetic
If you are only having one or two implants placed, your surgeon will probably decide you do not need general anesthetic. Local anesthetic should be sufficient for you to remain comfortable while your implants are placed. However, if a bone graft surgery, in which bone tissue is harvested from elsewhere in your body and added onto your jaw to support your implant, your oral surgeon may choose to work with you under a general anesthetic.
Another option for anesthesia for a dental implant procedure is conscious sedation. This method provides you with a relaxed state during your oral surgery and is usually paired with a local anesthetic to numb the site of the implant. The sedative is usually administered as a pill or using nitrous oxide gas. In this scenario, you remain aware of your surroundings and can respond to your doctor’s questions and instructions, but will be completely relaxed. Conscious sedation is a great solution for those who experience dental anxiety but need dental work performed!
Though it might seem preferable to have your surgery under general anesthesia, it is normally unnecessary. Local anesthesia is much safer, more easily administered, and not as 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 Manhattan, NY
If your smile is damaged or incomplete, dental implants can be an excellent option for replacing those missing teeth and restoring your smile’s appearance and functioning. 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. Brad Gorsky’s office, in midtown Manhattan at 212.235.1769 or schedule a consultation online today! We look forward to helping your smile shine!