Do I Need Sedation for Dental Implants?

You can permanently replace your missing teeth using a solution that can last for a lifetime. You’ll need to undergo a multi-phased process, which will include oral surgery. This is necessary to strategically place implant posts into your jawbone to serve as new roots to stabilize your restoration. You may believe dental implants and sedation during the implant procedure go hand-in-hand, but not everyone needs this level of anesthetic. In fact, all you may need is a localized numbing agent. Here’s what you need to know when choosing anesthesia.

Is Anesthesia Necessary for Dental Implant Placement?

The first step to rebuilding your smile with dental implants is the placement surgery. Your gum tissue is opened to expose your jawbone to allow your dentist to drill small holes into it. An implant post is inserted into each location before your gum tissue is sutured closed.

Anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable during this process. Although general anesthesia can be used, it isn’t always necessary. It’s only recommended for those who have extreme anxiety or patients who are having multiple implant posts placed.

Which Anesthesia is Right for Me?

During your initial consultation, you and your dentist will discuss your comfort level and your treatment plan to determine which anesthesia is right for you. There are a couple of different options:

Local Anesthesia

If you’re only having 1 or 2 implants placed, a local anesthetic may be all you need. In some cases, your oral surgeon may recommend both a local anesthetic and oral conscious sedation.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is administered as a pill or gas. It’s often recommended for people who are anxious about their dental implant placement.

General Anesthetic

You may need a general anesthetic if your procedure is a little more complex than the average person, such as if you need bone grafting or tissue harvested from another part of your body to support your implant.

Besides your comfort level, it’s also best to consider the potential side effects of each option. If you haven’t responded well to general anesthesia in the past, it may be better to use a combination of a local anesthetic and oral conscious sedative. On the other hand, if you have a hard time getting numb with a typical injection, you may need general anesthesia.

Your oral surgeon or dentist will help determine which anesthetic is right for you. You won’t need to worry about any pain or discomfort while on your journey to a complete smile.

About Dr. Gordon Davis

Dr. Gordon Davis completed his dental training and continued his education to specialize in periodontics. Supported by his qualifications and experience, he is a member of the American Dental Association, the New York Dental Association, and the American Academy of Periodontology. He is also qualified to offer oral conscious sedation in-office. If you’re interested in replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, he can help. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.