When it comes to undergoing a surgical procedure, most people feel some level of fear and anxiety, and dental implant surgery is no different. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has been practicing for many years, I have received extensive training to administer the proper type of anesthesia for each and every patient on which I perform dental implant surgery. From young children to older adults, every patient requires a method that is specific to their anxiety level, health and type of procedure.
At Rohnert Park Oral Surgery, we offer a number of options to help patients relax and feel comfortable during surgery, including these four types of anesthesia:
- Local Anesthesia – this type of anesthesia is administered directly to the surgical site to numb the area. It is either administered on its own or in combination with nitrous oxide. This is one of the most commonly used options, as it helps patient to quickly and easily fall asleep.
- Nitrous Oxide – also known as “laughing gas,” this is typically administered in combination with a local anesthetic through a breathing mask. While the gas helps to relax the patient, it does not cause them to fall asleep completely.
- Intravenous (IV) Sedation – this type of sedation option delivers anti-anxiety medication and/or painkillers through an IV in order to reduce pain and help them recover from surgery with as little discomfort as possible.
- General Anesthesia – this option provides a deeper level of sedation that keeps the patient from feeling any type of pain or discomfort from the surgery. General anesthesia is typically administered with local anesthesia and keeps the surgical site numb for at least an hour after the procedure.
It is important for any patient undergoing anesthesia to follow specific pre-operative and post-operative instructions to ensure proper and speedy recovery following their dental implant surgery. This makes the entire process – from the moment the patient sits in the chair to the time they return home to recover – as easy and comfortable as possible.
While my staff and I always deliver both oral and written instructions to our patients, we have found that they better retain the information when they view these videos on our website.
Before undergoing general anesthesia or IV sedation for dental implant surgery, it is critical that patients do not eat or drink anything for at least eight hours prior to their scheduled procedure. Any type of liquid or food in the stomach during the administration of anesthesia can cause serious health issues. In addition, patients should not smoke tobacco or drink alcoholic beverages for at least eight hours prior to their procedure. For additional pre-operative instructions, visit www.santarosaoralsurgery.com.
Following dental implant surgery, there will be bleeding and some pain, so it is important for patients to place gauze pads over the surgery site and take medications as prescribed. For additional post-operative instructions, visit www.santarosaoralsurgery.com.
The use of anesthesia for dental implant surgery makes oral surgery a breeze and ensures the patient is safe, comfortable and recovers with ease!
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