The decision to have dental implants placed can be drastic and involve many questions. Typically, patients are most concerned about possible pain and whether local or full anesthesia is used during the procedure. In this article, we explain the types of anesthesia available during dental implant placement and what to expect.
What types of anesthesia are given during implant placement?
Local anesthesia
Local anesthesia is the most commonly used type of anesthesia when replacing one or a few teeth with a dental implant. This anesthesia is injected directly into the gums surrounding the implant area and ensures that you do not feel anything during the procedure. The advantage of local anesthesia is that you remain fully conscious and can recover quickly after the procedure. The sedation lasts for about several hours, so you won’t experience any immediate pain even after the procedure.
Conscious sedation
For patients who are anxious about the procedure, conscious sedation may be an option. With this form of sedation, you remain conscious but are put into a relaxed and calm state. Often a mild sedative is administered for this purpose, combined with local anesthesia. Conscious sedation allows you to undergo the procedure relaxed, without experiencing pain or tension.
Full anesthesia
In some cases, such as all-on-4 procedure where all teeth are replaced, highly complex implant procedures or patients with extreme anxiety, full anesthesia is often necessary. This means you will be put completely to sleep during the surgery. Although this is a more invasive form of anesthesia, this solution naturally provides maximum comfort for patients who do not want to be awake during the procedure. A full anesthetic is always administered by a physician specialized in anesthesia.
The implantologist will discuss your options with you during the consultation preceding the procedure.
What can you expect after dental implant placement?
After implant placement, you may experience mild pain or discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol are often recommended to relieve any pain. It is important to follow the implantologist’s instructions carefully and observe the prescribed follow-up care for a quick and trouble-free recovery.
Different anesthetic options for different patients!
There are several options available in dental implant placement, depending on the type of procedure, its complexity and the patient’s preference. The most common form is local anesthesia, but for patients with anxiety or for lengthier and more complex procedures such as an all-on-4, a full anesthesia is often necessary. Thanks to these modern anesthesia techniques, you can undergo even these more complex procedures painlessly and comfortably.
Are you looking for more information about dental implants or would you like to have implants placed yourself? Take a look at our blog or contact specialist Doctor Frank Vanhove!
Doctor Frank Vanhove has more than 20 years of experience as an oral, maxillofacial and maxillofacial surgeon. Today he focuses exclusively on implantology. Dr. Frank Vanhove is the specialist in the field of dental prostheses and implants. He and his team place implants, a fixed and provisional dental bridge in one day. So you walk out the same day with a radiant smile.
