What Is a Dental Implant and What are the Best Sedation Methods?

The type of sedation used for dental implants depends on the patient and their medical history. When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann or Dr. Behl will decide which level is best for you.

A dental implant is one way that a dentist can replace a bridge or lost tooth. Since it’s placed into your jaw it is a pretty invasive procedure, but it’s also one that is lasting and offers patients a more permanent fix than other options. There are many reasons why someone might need a dental implant, such as an injury or periodontal disease. But for whatever reason they are needed, dental implants have come a long way and are a natural way to fix a missing tooth.

Types of Dental Implants

There are two different types of dental implants. The first is an Endosteal implant. This implant is placed into the bone. The dental surgeon will use cylinders, blades, and screws to place the implant directly into the jawbone. It is the most commonly used type of implant for people who have removable dentures or bridges. The sub-periosteal, or on-the-bone dental implant, is fixed on the top of the jaw with metal posts to hold the prosthesis. These are usually used for people who have limited bone height, and for those for whom Endosteal dental implants are not an option.

What are the Best Sedation Methods for Dental Implants?

Because dental implants are highly invasive, dental sedation is recommended. There are various levels of dental sedation from laughing gas (or nitrous oxide) to IV sedation. Determining which type is right for you depends on the extent of the procedure and your comfort level. IV sedation is generally the preferred method, as long as you are in good physical health. Due to the length of time and extensiveness involved in placing dental implants, IV sedation is an excellent way to minimize pain and anxiety and to get more done at one time, rather than having to come back for a series of appointments – which can not only be time-consuming but more expensive.

What is IV Sedation?

IV sedation is a type of sedation that requires having an anesthesiologist present. During IV sedation, a drug, usually an anti-anxiety medication, is administered into the blood system during dental treatment. The patient is administered sedation drugs under the direction and observation of a doctor, and a breathing tube is placed to ensure that the patient is getting the proper amount of oxygen. Although there are always risks to IV sedation, as the patient is monitored throughout the procedure, those risks can be minimized if the guidelines are followed.

If you are going to have dental IV sedation, make sure that you make the proper arrangements for afterward. You are going to need someone to take you home from the appointment and to help you out once you get home. As it’s a more complex sedation method, anticipating some downtime is the best way to ensure that you are prepared after the procedure is complete.

Dental Sedation in St. Louis

If you are considering having a dental implant placed, it is important to understand the various forms of sedation and their advantages and disadvantages and to choose the one that is best for you and that you are most comfortable with. A St. Louis dental sedation specialist can help you to make the best choice for your particular situation.

Schedule an appointment with us today by calling (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!