Undergoing dental implant surgery can be a scary prospect for many patients. The idea of having surgery can be daunting, as well as the idea of experiencing pain both during and after the procedure. One option to bring patients peace of mind and make the entire process as comfortable as possible is sedation. To help you understand what’s involved with dental implant surgery and to explain the different sedation options available for it, here we’ll breakdown what to expect.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jaw bone of patients who have lost one or more teeth. These posts act as artificial tooth roots, so they can be used to support replacements or bridges. Dental implants are typically considered the most advanced, reliable, and permanent option for tooth replacement procedures.
Types of Dental Implant Surgery
There are two main types of dental implant surgeries: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implant surgeries are more common and involve the placement of titanium screws directly into the jawbone. Subperiosteal implant surgeries are less common and involved placing a metal frame with posts under the gums but still over the bone.
What sedation options are available for Dental Implant Surgery?
As with many dental procedures, dental implant surgery can be performed with different types of sedation. The type and level of sedation used will depend on the type of surgery being performed, as well as the health and comfort goals of the individual patient. Common sedation options for dental implant surgery include:
Local anesthetic and oral sedatives
Local anesthetic and/or oral sedatives are the most common and generally least costly of the sedation options for dental implant surgery. Local anesthetics are used to numb the area around the surgical site so that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure. An oral sedative may be prescribed for the patient to take the night before the surgery or up to an hour before the procedure to help them relax.
Intravenous (IV) sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation is a moderate form of sedation where the patient is given an injection of sedatives directly into the blood stream via an IV line. During an IV sedation dental implant surgery, the patient will be conscious but very relaxed, to the point that they may drift in and out of sleep.
General anesthesia
General anesthesia is a deeper form of sedation that is typically used for more complex and lengthy dental implant surgeries. With general anesthesia, the patient is completely unconscious and is monitored by an anesthesiologist throughout the entire procedure. This type of sedation is usually reserved for patients who are extremely nervous or who have a difficult time getting numb with a local anesthetic.
What to Expect During Dental Implant Surgery
Regardless of the type of dental implant surgery you need, you can expect that the procedure itself will be relatively painless, due to the use of anesthetic. The one exception to this is for those patients who opt to have their surgery done using only nitrous oxide. Patients receiving this form of sedation will be awake during the procedure. In this case, it is important to tell the dentist right away if you start feeling uncomfortable.
Once the dental implant surgery is completed, the dentist will likely prescribe you an antibiotic and a mild pain medication. It is also common for patients to experience some swelling and discomfort for the first few days following the procedure. This can be alleviated by applying ice to the surgical site, taking over-the-counter pain medication, and following the dentist’s after-care instructions.
Conclusion
Dental implant surgery can be a daunting experience for many patients. However, dental professionals have many different sedation options available to help make the process as comfortable as possible. Patients should discuss these options with their dentist prior to the procedure in order to select the best one for their comfort goals and the type of surgery being performed. Regardless of the sedation option used, patients can expect to feel at ease during their dental implant surgery and to experience relatively little pain both during and after the procedure.