If you have lost a permanent tooth, dental implant surgery can be the best way to regain the feel and function of a natural tooth. It’s normal to feel anxious about the surgery or dental appointments, especially if you’re worried about the experience being unpleasant.
The good news is that dental implant surgery involves anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. At Nuset Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, we prioritize your comfort and offer IV sedation dentistry to make your experience smooth and stress-free.
You can choose to be sedated or given medication to stay comfortable. We provide several anesthesia options, including local and general anesthesia, tailored to your needs to ensure the highest level of comfort.
Let’s go into detail about what you should expect during your dental implant surgery.
What to Expect During a Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants surgery involves a few key steps to ensure the best outcome. First, we will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, which includes X-rays to assess your bone structure and determine the best placement for the implant.
Before the procedure, our team will discuss the anesthesia options with you.
Here are the anesthesia offered at NuSet:
Local anesthesia
If you choose local anesthesia, we will numb only the area where the implant will be placed. You will be awake but won’t feel any pain in that specific area.
IV sedation dentistry
We understand that dental procedures can cause anxiety and stress for many patients. We offer innovative IV sedation dentistry to help you feel more comfortable and at ease during your dental implant surgery. This option allows you to remain in a deeply relaxed state while still being conscious, providing a more pleasant and stress-free experience.
Here’s how IV sedation works:
IV sedation dentistry involves administering a sedative through an intravenous (IV) line. This method allows the sedative to take effect quickly and can be easily adjusted throughout the procedure to ensure comfort.
The good thing about this innovative procedure is that it helps you relax, and you may not remember much, if anything, about the procedure afterward. This can be particularly beneficial for those with dental anxiety, as it helps reduce the memory of the procedure and associated stress.
At NuSet, we prioritize your comfort and well-being. During your consultation, we will discuss your medical history, anxiety levels, and preferences to determine if IV sedation is the best option for you. Our experienced team will ensure you understand the process and what to expect and address any concerns you may have.
General anesthesia
If general anesthesia is used, you will be completely unconscious during the surgery. This option is usually for more extensive procedures or for patients who have high levels of anxiety.
After the dental procedure, we will give you instructions on how to care for your mouth as it heals. This might include taking prescribed medications and following specific oral hygiene practices to ensure the implant heals properly.
How to Choose the Right Anesthesia
Choosing the right anesthesia for dental implant surgery is vital for comfort. This is why we offer several anesthesia options to meet your individual needs. Here’s how to determine which option is best for you.
Number of implants
If you are getting only one or two implants, local anesthesia might be sufficient. This numbs only the area where the implant will be placed, keeping you awake but pain-free.
For multiple implants or more complex procedures, you might consider IV sedation or general anesthesia to ensure a more relaxed experience.
Personal comfort and anxiety levels
If you have high anxiety about dental procedures, IV sedation or general anesthesia can help you feel more at ease.
Your medical history
Your medical history can affect the type of anesthesia you can safely use. For example, if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), general anesthesia might pose a higher risk because it can depress breathing.
During your consultation, we will explain the anesthesia options available and help you decide which one is best for you. This decision will be based on the factors mentioned above and your personal preferences.
Take the First Step Towards Comfortable Dental Implants at Nuset!
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is a popular choice, so do not let a fear of surgery deter you. Talk with us about options to stay calm and comfortable during the surgery. Book a consultation to learn more about dental implant surgery and IV sedation dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get an implant without anesthesia?
No, dental implants always require some form of anesthesia. The procedure involves placing a metal post into the jawbone, which would be too painful without anesthesia. Options include local anesthesia, IV sedation, and general anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Will I be put to sleep for a dental implant?
Not necessarily. Most dental implant procedures are performed using local anesthesia or IV sedation, which keeps you relaxed but awake. General anesthesia, which puts you to sleep, is typically reserved for more complex cases or for patients with significant anxiety. The choice of anesthesia depends on your comfort level, the complexity of the procedure, and the recommendation of your dentist or oral surgeon.
How painful is a dental implant?
The dental implant procedure itself is not painful because anesthesia is used to numb the area. You may experience some discomfort after the procedure as you heal, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and following your dentist’s post-care instructions. The discomfort is usually mild and temporary, and most patients find it manageable with proper care.
Do they numb you for dental implants?
Yes, you will be numbed for dental implants. Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area where the implant is placed. This ensures that you do not feel pain during the procedure. Other options, like IV sedation, can be used to keep you more relaxed. In some cases, general anesthesia might be used to put you completely to sleep, especially for more extensive procedures or if you have high levels of anxiety.
