Patients may be anxious in the face of dental implant placement, and understandably so. It can be intimidating to face an unfamiliar surgery of any type, regardless of the experience and knowledge of your oral surgeon.
Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective method for Charlottesville patients to reduce any anxiety surrounding the placement of their dental implants. The medications used in sedation dentistry help to put patients at ease.
Unlike general anesthesia, which renders patients unconscious, sedation dentistry helps patients to remain awake while achieving a state of deep relaxation, allowing them to respond to an oral surgeon’s requests. Additionally, sedation dentistry does not compromise the patient’s airway in the same way that general anesthesia does.
Although the medications themselves tend to be similar drugs known as benzodiazepines, patients who choose sedation dentistry for dental implant placement have several delivery options. The sedative medications can be delivered intravenously for a near-instantaneous effect. For patients who don’t like needles, sedatives in pill form may be a better choice.
Nitrous oxide, a gas that is inhaled by patients, is another alternative. This choice can be attractive to patients who want to recover more quickly from their sedation.
Not only will sedation dentistry help to relax you during the dental implant procedure, many of the sedatives have an amnestic effect, wiping out any memory of the procedure itself.
Patients who choose pills taken orally or IV sedation should plan to have a responsible adult accompany them home following the procedure. They will not be able to drive for several hours.
As is the case with virtually any dental procedure, the oral surgeon will administer a local anesthetic prior to placing your dental implants. This step numbs the surgical site and increases patient comfort during the surgery.
Talk with Dr. Carlos Ibañez, your oral surgeon serving Charlottesville VA, in advance of your upcoming dental implant placement to determine which sedation option is best for you.