Surgical procedures can be frightening, particularly if you anticipate pain during the procedure itself. With modern anesthesia, Dr. Doolin and Dr. Haddad can perform the most complex oral surgeries without any discomfort to the patient. Dental implant surgery can generally be performed with a combination of local anesthesia and mild sedation.
What Type of Anesthesia is Used for Dental Implants?
When you visit our dental office in Rochester, MI for dental implant surgery, Dr. Doolin and Dr. Haddad will start your treatment with a consultation. During the consultation, they will discuss your upcoming procedure and determine what type of dental implant anesthesia would work best for you. For our patients who suffer from dental anxiety, we might recommend I.V. sedation to help you relax more. All patients will receive local anesthesia so they don’t feel any pain in their mouths during their procedure.
Local Anesthesia
Novocain, or local anesthesia, is administered directly into the gums through an injection. It also inhibits the nerve fibers in the teeth from firing impulses, thereby numbing the area and eliminating pain. Novocain works quickly, though its duration is short and it may have to be administered more than once during the surgery.
I.V. Sedation
In addition to Novocain, dentists can also use intravenous sedation during dental implant surgery. An I.V. administers the sedation, making it quick and easy to regulate. An anesthetist uses non-invasive monitors to monitor vital signs and ensure patient safety. This type of sedation helps put the patient in a relaxed, comfortable state, free from the anxiety and fear that can accompany oral surgery. The primary disadvantage of intravenous sedation is the need for an escort home after the surgery. It offers short-lived effects. We do not offer I.V. sedation at our dental practice.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Another form of sedation dentistry is oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation is a pill you take before your appointment. We can even prescribe you one to take before bed if you usually get anxiety the night before a procedure. We instruct our patients to take one pill before leaving for our office and another one once you get here. The pill will take effect just in time for your implant surgery, relaxing you the right amount.
Do You Need General Anesthesia for Dental Implants?
Although some dentists offer general anesthesia for their dental implants patients, we do not offer it at our Rochester dental office. At Rochester Advanced Dentistry, we offer minimal sedation dentistry. Minimal sedation dentistry keeps you conscious during your procedure but relaxed enough to sit through your procedure stress-free.
Can I Drive Myself Home After Dental Implant Surgery?
If you’re opting for I.V. sedation or oral conscious sedation, you cannot drive yourself home. Since we only prescribe oral sedation, we also instruct our patients to not drive to their appointments either. Ask a friend or family member to take you to and from your appointment because you will be unfit to drive. If you’re only using local anesthesia during your procedure, you can drive yourself to and from your dental implant procedure.
If you live in or near Rochester, Michigan, and are considering dental implant surgery, please contact Rochester Advanced Dentistry
