As a man or woman tries to decide whether to get dental implants to replace missing teeth, this person may feel anxious about the prospect of Oral Surgery in Summit NJ. Incisions must be made in the gum tissue and holes drilled into the bone for implanting of the devices. The implant rods gradually fuse with the jawbone. This can seem like a scary prospect for a patient who is nervous about even the most routine dental procedures.
Oral and IV Sedation
Most patients do not have general anesthesia for the placement of implants, as surgeons generally want to avoid using this option if possible. Instead, oral or intravenous sedation is available to keep the patient feeling calm. Some individuals even doze off during this type of Oral Surgery in Summit NJ if they are especially sensitive to sedating medication or if they have been sleep-deprived. They may not even remember the procedure afterward.
The main advantage of IV anesthesia is that the dentist can adjust the amount being provided during the session. If the patient wants a little more, he or she can make the request. The dentist wants the patient to ideally feel relaxed but to stay conscious.
Local Anesthesia
Of course, local anesthesia is provided as well. This numbs the gum tissue and nerves so that no pain is felt while the dentist works with the implants. The patient will feel calm and unconcerned with only minimal discomfort throughout the entire appointment.
Effects to Expect After Surgery
With general anesthesia and sedation, the patient will need a ride home afterward since driving should be avoided until the effects have dissipated. The patient should expect to begin feeling pain where the surgery took place once the numbness from local anesthesia has worn off. This is understandable because of the dental work that has been completed.
A dentist with a practice such as Westfield Oral Surgery may prescribe a short course of pain medication, after which the patient can use over-the-counter ibuprofen or another painkiller if necessary. Any lingering discomfort after the placement of implant rods should be gone within a week.
