Do they sedate you for dental implants?

For simple implant procedures, sedation is generally not required, but if you have anxiety, light sedation, or anxiolysis, is an option. Anxiolysis is typically achieved using medications like Valium or Triazolam, which are very safe and provide a calming sensation throughout the procedure. Dentists also use nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” to relieve anxiety and make the procedures more comfortable overall.

For more complex or longer surgery appointments, I.V. sedation or conscious sedation can make your dental implant surgery experience more tolerable. If you have any questions about anxiolysis, sedation or general anesthesia, you should discuss these with your implant dentist early in the treatment process.

If you are getting just one or two dental implants, a local anesthetic is usually all that is necessary. In my opinion, that’s the way to go, if possible, because local anesthesia is safe and rarely produces any unpleasant side effects.

If you are anxious about undergoing a dental procedure, conscious sedation—usually achieved with nitrous oxide gas—can be combined with the local so that you are totally relaxed.

If you are getting more than a few implants, or if a bone graft is necessary, your implant dentist or surgeon will likely want to use some type of mild or moderate conscious sedation.

It is important to discuss your options with your dentist early in the process; oftentimes the type of anesthesia you receive is based upon your own personal comfort level.

Some type of anesthesia will be utilized. Usually a local anesthetic is all that is necessary. Nitrous oxide gas can be used, too, if you are nervous or have anxiety about dental procedures.

If your procedure is going to be especially long or complex your dentist may want to utilize IV sedation so that you are unconscious. The bottom line is that you won’t feel any pain, no matter which route you and your dentist choose