Dental implants allow our team to replace a single missing tooth, or to secure a bridge or denture that never slips and lasts for decades to come. But placement involves oral surgery, and this often makes people feel nervous, especially those with dental anxiety. In today’s blog, your Santa Rosa, CA, oral surgeons will discuss how we use sedation to keep patients comfortable.
The Implant Placement Process
A dental implant isn’t like a fixed bridge or a removable denture. Instead of being supported with crowns, suction, or clasps, we insert the implant posts directly into the jawbone. Crafted from titanium, a biocompatible material, the post then bonds with the jaw like a natural tooth. When we attach the restoration or prosthetic, you then have a complete smile, with a prosthetic that could last a lifetime with proper care and attention! We want to make sure the placement process is a comfortable one, even for those with serious dental anxiety. Which is why we offer dental sedation!
Dental Sedation
We have three different options available. The one we recommend will be based on your anxiety levels, medical history, and current state of health. We work with trained anesthesiologist the entire time, and make sure you’re comfortable and safe. The most common option is laughing gas, or nitrous oxide. We administer the gas via a mask over the nose. The gas helps you enter a calm and relaxed state, with little to no memory of the procedure. However, you still remain conscious and able to respond to the oral surgeons. The effects wear off quickly.
For deeper sedation, we have oral and IV. With oral, we administer the sedation via pill or liquid prior to the procedure. You enter a deeper state, but still remain conscious. With IV, we have the deepest form available, which is administered via an IV. With both, the effects take time to wear off so a friend or family member will bring you home afterward.
Restoration and Prosthetic Placement
Once your placement area has healed for an individual option, we will attach an abutment and secure the crown, completing your new tooth with a lifelike restoration. If you’re receiving implant dentures, then we likely attach a prosthetic in the same visit, so you leave with a complete smile. We could also affix a temporary prosthetic, and then you return later will provide the final product, so you’re never without a smile.
Do You Want to Try Implant Dentistry?
Our team wants to make sure every stage of your treatment is a comfortable experience. To learn more about how we address one or more missing teeth, then schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.