If you're experiencing a missing tooth or an incomplete set of teeth, dental implants can correct this condition and enable you to replace missing teeth with high-quality implants.

Missing teeth often cause gaps in the mouth that become breeding grounds for plaque, food debris and bacteria. These harmful components can erode the teeth and lead to tooth decay. Dental implants are an effective procedure for replacing missing teeth and restoring a full smile.

When you've decided to have a dental implant procedure, you need to make sure that you're adequately prepared for the process. One of the best ways you can do this is by being aware of the anesthesia that will be administered for the operation. Anesthesia blocks the pain and discomfort that you would otherwise experience during dental implantation.

How anesthesia works

Before any oral procedure, it is important to prepare for before-procedure anesthesia. Anesthesia is a collection of medicines that are used to block pain and reduce discomfort by either making you unconscious or inducing a state of relaxation. The anesthesia makes it easier for a dentist to operate on you while causing minimal discomfort.

Types of anesthesia

For oral procedures such as dental implants, there are two main types of anesthesia used, namely local and general anesthesia.

Local Anesthesia

A local anesthetic is a medication that targets only a specific part of the body. It acts to block pain at that location so the procedure can proceed smoothly. Local anesthesia is often used during the insertion of dental implants to numb the area near the sight of the tooth that will be implanted.

General Anesthesia

A general anesthetic operates on the whole body and induces a lack of awareness during the entire procedure. Often, patients wake up after general anesthesia with no recollection of the entire procedure. General anesthesia for dental implants can be induced through an IV or by having the patient inhale vapors.

What to do before a dental implant procedure

To prepare for the administering of anesthesia before the dental implants are carried out, you should make sure you don't eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the procedure time.

You should also avoid smoking for the 12-hour period leading to the surgery, and make sure you wear comfortable clothing with low-heeled shoes. It is important for you to be in the right state before an anesthesia can be administered for dental implants. 

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