Dental implant placement under general anesthesia

In the stages of dental implant and cosmetic procedures, it is understandable that not all patients are comfortable with dental surgery, and sometimes fear prevents them from visiting dental clinics. Some patients prefer to be awake during the procedure and be present during their dental treatment. Dental implant placement with full anesthesia is one of the new treatment options for patients who want to replace their teeth.

Do you need anesthesia for dental implant surgery?

Dental implant surgery involves replacing tooth roots with screw-like metal posts to replace missing or damaged teeth with artificial teeth. Many patients often feel intimidated by the idea of ​​undergoing surgery. It is good to know that there is no need to feel scared anymore because you can have dental implant surgery under general anesthesia under the full supervision of a specialized dental team.

Before the surgery, the dentist will make sure to discuss all of the patient’s health issues and address any concerns or ambiguities you may have about the dental implant surgery procedure. During the consultation, the dentist will evaluate your best treatment options regarding anesthesia based on your health history, age, and level of anxiety. Before the surgery, the dentist will determine the most comfortable treatment method for you.

Is anesthesia necessary for dental implants?

Since dental implant surgery is an oral surgery, to maintain peace and comfort during the process, some patients who are very afraid of surgery may be advised to be sedated during the procedure or to have the procedure performed under general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia will be determined based on the number of implants you are receiving, the level of anesthesia you receive, and the preference of your oral surgeon.

Types of Anesthesia Used in Dental Implant Surgery

Local Anesthesia:

After injecting a local anesthetic agent into the gum, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the gums and teeth near the area where the dental implant surgery will be performed. The effects of local anesthesia last for a few hours and then wear off. For patients who feel anxious before the procedure, local anesthesia is the best option.

Nitrous Oxide:

Nitrous oxide is another type of anesthesia that is used to keep the patient comfortable during the dental implant procedure with complete anesthesia, while the patient is conscious and awake, so that they can easily go home after the procedure. The dentist uses a special mask to allow the patient to breathe the gas before the dental implant procedure. In this type of anesthesia, the patient is awake during the procedure and is ideal for patients who are experiencing mild anxiety and apprehension, but nitrous oxide inhalation is not recommended for patients with breathing problems or severe lung disease.

General anesthesia:

Some patients are very anxious about dental implant surgery. They need to be sedated for a smooth and successful implant placement. In order to calm them down, general anesthesia makes the patient unaware of the procedure. The dentist in Windsor may recommend general anesthesia or the use of local anesthesia, taking into account the level of anxiety, age, and duration of treatment.

During the anesthesia, the patient is completely calm and does not understand any of the treatment steps, in other words, he is unaware of the surgical procedure being performed and when he wakes up, he does not remember what happened during the procedure.

How is dental implant placement performed with general anesthesia?

An anesthesiologist will thoroughly examine the patient’s health before surgery and then prescribe anesthesia based on the type of procedure and the severity of the tooth. Anesthesia can be given intravenously or by inhaling nitrous oxide gas. When the general anesthetic begins to work, the patient will not be able to feel pain or the pressure of the dental instruments.

The anesthesiologist will stay with you throughout the dental procedure and will constantly check your breathing. They will also monitor your pulse and blood pressure.

Once the general anesthesia has taken effect, your dentist will begin the treatment. Apart from dental implant placement, procedures such as bone grafting, tooth extractions, and even full-arch implant placements can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia.

Post-operative steps for implant placement

After the procedure is complete, you will be transferred to the ward where you will wake up and recover. You can leave when your vital signs are normal. You must arrange for someone to pick you up after the procedure because you will not be able to drive after the treatment and implant placement under general anesthesia. You may also stay in the hospital overnight to recover.

Depending on the treatment you have had, your mouth and teeth may feel sore or swollen. Painkillers and ice packs will help you recover faster.