Understanding the Use of Sedation in Dental Implants

By: admin November 25, 2022
Dental Atlanta

Dental implants help return your beautiful smile if you’ve lost a tooth due to decay, time, or an accident. Not only can dental implants restore your appearance and confidence, but they also help keep the surrounding teeth and jaw in optimal health. However, as miraculous as dental implants are, people who suffer from anxiety or have a severe phobia about dental treatments can miss out on this wonderful opportunity to restore their smile. If this is the case, sedation dentistry can be used to provide a more relaxing environment during an intricate procedure like tooth extractions or dental implant placement.

What is Implant and Sedation Dentistry? 

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during extensive procedures such as dental implant sedation placement. The different levels of sedation allow you to remain either completely awake and aware or without any recollection of the entire procedure.

There are several types of sedation dentistry. From the inhalation of nitrous oxide which leaves you in a comfortable state to general anesthesia which allows you to completely drift off do they put you to sleep for dental implants during your appointment, your dentist can help you choose the type of sedation dentistry that best works for you.

How to Prepare for Sedation Dental Implants in Dentistry

During your dental implant consultation, you and your dentist will discuss if you are a candidate for sedation dentistry and which method of sedation will be used. If you are using oral or IV sedation, you will be unable to operate a car after the procedure, so you want to arrange a ride from your appointment. Depending on the procedure and the form of sedation being administered your dentist may have you take a few extra preparation steps. This can include not eating for 12 hours before IV sedation unless you’re on medication that requires you to have food in your stomach.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

When it comes to sedation during dental implants, there are several main forms of sedation used during the procedure:

Inhalation Sedation

Inhalation sedation, also known as laughing gas, is one of the most common forms of sedation dentistry and one that many people might not even consider to be sedation dentistry. With inhalation dentistry, the dentist gives you nitrous oxygen through a face mask placed over your nose. The gas provides a relaxing sensation and calms any anxiety or worry over the dental implant procedure. When the mask is removed, the effects of the gas wear off within ten minutes. This minimal form of sedation allows you to relax during the procedure but still drive home afterward.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is taken with a pill before your dental visit. Also known as conscious sedation, the medication is usually taken an hour before the procedure. The most common medications used for oral sedation are Valium (diazepam) and Halcion (triazolam). Your dentist will write a prescription at your consultation so you can take the pill usually an hour before your appointment. Depending on the dosage of medication, you may feel drowsy and even fall asleep but can easily be woken up when needed.

 IV Sedation – iv Sedation For Dental Implants

Intravenous sedation works quickly by administering drugs through an IV straight into your veins. This gives the dentist and anesthesia team the ability to adjust the level of sedation easily. Depending on your needs, your dentist can move the level up or down to provide you with the right amount of comfort during the procedure as you relax in a deep sleep.

At Buckhead Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we know how important and life-changing dental implants are to your health and overall confidence. Don’t let your anxiety keep you from getting the beautiful smile you deserve. With sedation dentistry, your worries can melt away while you experience a relaxing and stress-free dental implant placement and come out reaping the rewards of a healthy, happy smile.

Contact us today at 404-400-0400 to learn more about sedation dentistry and determine if you’re a candidate so you too can receive one of our fulfilling dental procedures.