Types of Anesthesia for Dental Implant Surgery

    CHICAGO, IL, August 22, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dental implant surgery can be a daunting and intimidating experience, especially when it comes to figuring out the kind of anesthesia to undergo. Choosing the correct type of anesthesia for your dental implant surgery can ease your concerns, allowing for a more positive surgical experience. The three most common types of anesthesia for dental implant surgery are:

-Local anesthesia
-Nitrous oxide (or "laughing gas")
-Intravenous (IV) Sedation
-General anesthesia

Local Anesthesia
The most well-known form of dental anesthesia, some dental implant surgeries are done using only a local anesthesia, usually lidocaine. The lidocaine is inserted by a syringe into the surgical area to numb the area. This treatment is often preferred since it has very limited side effects without affecting the mental state of the patient.

Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas", is sometimes used as an inhaled anesthesia in cases where just using a local anesthesia might not provide a state of relaxation necessary for the procedure. This anesthesia is particularly useful when patients may need more relaxation than the average patient. There are very few side effects to nitrous oxide, beside the euphoric feeling that accompanies the sedation.

Intravenous Sedation
Intravenous sedation involves a medication given through the bloodstream, putting the patient into a state known as "twilight sleep" or conscious sedation, after which the patient will have no memory of the surgery. This procedure is useful for larger surgeries or for patients who may be too uncomfortable with being awake for the dental implant surgery. This type of anesthesia can often result in a slight nauseous feeling. Recovery from IV Sedation is a longer process since there is a 24 hour period afterwards during which the medicine is still in the bloodstream, during which operating heavy machinery or vehicles is out of the question. A local anesthesia is often used in conjunction with IV sedation.

General Anesthesia
General anesthesia produces complete unconsciousness, and is only supposed to be performed in a hospital setting with additional personnel, such as a certified anesthesiologist. General anesthesia carries with it a high level of risk and is rarely used for performing dental procedures.

Dental Implant Experts
If you are in the Chicago area, are considering dental implant surgery, and are concerned with how to choose an anesthesia for the procedure, please visit the website of the dental implant surgery experts of Chicago's Colonial Dental Group for more information.

Source: Colonial Dental Group
Website: http://www.colonialdentalgroup.com

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