Dental implant surgery is the most effective way of replacing damaged or missing permanent teeth. These implants work as missing tooth replacements and help in keeping the dental prosthetics or crowns in place. While dental implant surgery can help in getting your smile back, many patients get anxious about it due to the idea there might be pain involved.
Fortunately, IV sedation is available for use during dental implant surgery to make the patient feel comfortable and prevent any pain. An experienced oral surgeon will explain the entire process to you and make sure you know what to expect.
Understanding Dental Implants
Teeth and jaws are integrated closely, and healthy teeth protect your jaw bone’s strength. When you smile, chew, or bite, the roots of your teeth place pressure on your jaw that stimulates the gum tissue and bone to keep them healthy. However, when you lose a tooth, there is little to no pressure on your jaw and gums, which results in bone resorption or shrinkage.
Since the jaw bone isn’t stimulated, a certain amount of its volume starts disappearing. Gradually, it weakens the jaw and can also affects the facial structure. Dental implants replace the missing tooth to help keep the stimulation of jaw bone ongoing, thereby maintaining bone volume and structure.
Available Sedation Methods for Dental Implant Surgery
Pain control during dental implant surgery is not complicated. For some of the cases, a local anaesthetic is more than sufficient. Many patients get more nervous or anxious than others. For the ones with a high level of anxiety, there are various dental implant sedation options available to help them counter their fear of surgery.
Your oral surgeon will discuss these options with you before the surgery. Here are the most common options available:
Relative Nitrous Oxide Analgesia
In relative nitrous oxide analgesia, the patient inhales a combination of nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”, and oxygen through a mask to provide mild anxiety reduction. The oral surgeon then numbs the area with local anesthetic prior to proceeding.
Oral Sedation
In oral sedation, a dose of anti-anxiety medication is given to help the patient relax. It helps in reducing the anxiety of the patient throughout the surgery.
IV Sedation
For patients with dental phobia and the ones suffering from a high level of anxiety, or requiring complex procedures, IV sedation is an effective way of helping them relax. It is also suitable for patients undergoing a lengthy dental surgical procedure.
IV sedation in oral surgery reduces anxiety and pain by creating a depressed consciousness level while allowing the patient to breathe spontaneously. These medications are directly injected in the bloodstream, which is why the effect is immediate. Many of the patients often get into a sleeplike state that melts away their worry and anxiety. IV Sedation also induces short-term memory loss, meaning the patients might not remember most of the surgery and wake up with the full use of their teeth and regain their beautiful smile. IV sedation is often called “sleep dentistry”.
There are different levels of IV sedation. The oral surgeon will discuss with the patient the surgical procedure and review the patient’s medical condition to determine the appropriate levels of sedation.
1)Light IV Conscious Sedation. Patients are still able to answer the oral surgeon if need be. Light IV Sedation is often used for patients with more significant medical conditions.
2) Moderate IV Conscious Sedation. Thereis a deeper level of sedation with less awareness by the patient with moderate IV Conscious Sedation. The dose is adjusted by the oral surgeon as needed.
Oral Surgeons are uniquely qualified to offer IV Sedation in a safe and comfortable environment.
Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace missing or damaged teeth. They help in preserving your oral health, regaining the full function of your teeth, and restoring your smile. With a range of sedation methods available, your oral surgeon will ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure. Feel free to ask any questions with your oral surgeon or share your concerns.
If you are in need of dental implants or other dental treatments, make your appointment today, and our team will help you through the process!
