Dental implants set the benchmark for permanent tooth loss solutions. These small biocompatible titanium posts act as artificial tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for dental crowns, implant-supported bridges, and removable dentures. Since they are surgically attached to the jawbone, they closely resemble natural teeth in appearance and functionality.
Although dental implant surgery has a high success rate of 98.6% five years after post-loading, it’s normal to feel anxious about any surgical procedure. Patients often ask about the dental implant process and wonder, ‘are dental implants done under general anaesthesia?’
Are Dental Implants Done Under General Anaesthesia?
Dental implant surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can be carried out under a local anaesthetic. However, you may choose to be sedated, especially if you experience dental anxiety. You may also request to be sedated if several dental implants are being placed simultaneously.
Are Dental Implants Done Under General Anaesthesia: The Types of Anaesthesia
Anaesthesia is used in many medical procedures, including dental implant surgery, to ensure the patient is comfortable. While there are different types of anaesthesia, the ones used most often in dental implant surgery are local, general, and IV sedation.
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Local for one or two dental implants
For most patients, a local anaesthetic is used when only one or two dental implants are being placed.
When this type of anaesthesia is administered, the area of the mouth is numbed with a numbing gel before injecting the anaesthesia. You will be awake throughout the procedure, and the anaesthesia wears off within a few hours post-surgery.
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General for bone grafting surgery
General anaesthesia is used when you require bone grafting surgery before getting implants. This surgery is necessary when you do not have enough healthy jawbone to support dental implants.
You will be unconscious throughout the surgery and won’t remember the procedure. The effects of this type of anaesthesia can last up to 24-48 hours, so you shouldn’t return to work, drive, exercise, or drink alcohol for a day or two. Arrange for a family member or friend to collect you from the dental surgery and drive you home.
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IV sedation for dental anxiety
At No Gaps Dental, we offer our nervous patients IV sedation dentistry to help them get the treatment they need to restore their smiles. Your dentist administers anaesthesia through an IV into your hand or arm. This type of anaesthesia will make you feel drowsy, but you will still be conscious and able to respond to your dentist’s instructions. Your vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure and afterwards in the recovery room.
You will have to arrange for a chaperon to pick you up and drive you home because you will continue to feel drowsy for about 24 hours after the surgery.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants take several months to complete and require multiple dental visits, including two surgical procedures. The main steps of a dental implant procedure include:
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Initial examination
Using intraoral scanning technology and dental X-rays, your dentist assesses your oral health and examines the condition of your jawbone. You must have a sufficiently healthy jaw to house and maintain implants. If tooth loss has caused bone degradation or your jaw is too soft, you may require a bone graft or sinus lift to prepare for surgery.
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Fitting the implant
Once your jawbone and gums are fully recovered from any preparatory work, you may proceed with the implant surgery. The surgery involves making small incisions in the gum to access the jawbone. We use a bone drill to create holes for the titanium posts.
The dental implants must be placed deep inside the bone to facilitate a healthy osseointegration process. After fitting the dental implant, your dentist seals the surgical site.
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Osseointegration
After surgery, your implants must be given time to osseointegrate (approximately two to six months). This is a bone fusion process, where the titanium posts bond to the living bone tissue. The jawbone grows around the dental implant, giving it the strength and stability to function as your new tooth root.
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Attaching the abutment
An abutment is a small metal element used to connect the implant to the replacement tooth. Attaching the abutment is a minor surgical procedure that reopens the gums to expose the implant. It is done under local anaesthetic.
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Completing the restoration
When the surgical site fully heals, we’ll take digital impressions of your dental arch to prepare for your final restoration.
At No Gaps Dental, we use CEREC technology to design and fabricate custom ceramic crowns for dental implants. Your dental implant is milled from a single ceramic block that matches the shade of your existing teeth for a seamless smile.
Recovery After Surgery
While anaesthesia and IV sedation can make the surgery painless, you will experience minor discomfort following the surgery. OTC painkillers can alleviate your pain, an icepack applied to your cheek can reduce swelling, and protein-filled soft foods like smoothies, cottage cheese, and scrambled eggs can help you heal faster.
Patient-Focused Dental Care
At No Gaps Dental, patient welfare is our priority. At each of our 15, Sydney-based dental practices, we provide hand sanitiser to all guests and patients to minimise the risk of infection.
Our staff and dental team wear masks and routinely apply hand sanitiser, creating a clean and safe environment for our patients. We ensure that our hand sanitiser contains 60% ethanol and 70% isopropanol to kill airborne bacteria.
If missing teeth negatively impact your quality of life and confidence, book a consultation with No Gaps Dental to discuss restorative treatment options. Our experienced dentists can explain the dental implant procedure in detail, helping you decide on a suitable treatment plan.
Call us now on (02) 8806 0227.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Implant success and survival rates in daily dental practice: 5-year results of a non-interventional study using CAMLOG SCREW-LINE implants with or without platform-switching abutments
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6212375/
Dental fear and anxiety: Information for Dental Practitioners
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/arcpoh/dperu/special/dfa/Dental_Fear_Professional.pdf
Everything to Know About a Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-procedure#takeaway
Dental implant procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-implant