Think about how many times per day you rely on your teeth. You use them to chew breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. You press your tongue against them to make certain sounds when you speak. There's really no doubt about it — your teeth are important, and they deserve your respect. You can pay them that respect by visiting your dentist for regular cleaning and checkup appointments. You should also call at the first sign of dental pain, tooth discoloration, or other oral health changes. Read more about dentists and dentistry here on this blog, where we dive deep into related topics.
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Dental implants are a dream come true for many patients who have lost their teeth. Before the advent of dental implants, dentures and dental bridges were the only options for tooth restoration. Dental implants allow oral surgeons to permanently replace patients' missing teeth using titanium rods and ceramic prostheses. Dental implant surgery may be performed with or without general anesthesia. As the patient, you may have a preference one way or the other. Here are four questions you can ask yourself in order to decide if general anesthesia is the right choice for you.
1. How comfortable are you with the idea of oral surgery?
The dental implant procedure is a type of oral surgery. During the operation, your dentist will need to open your gums to expose your jawbone. They will make a small hole in your jawbone, which will accommodate the dental implant. Some people fear the dentist and find the idea of oral surgery upsetting. If you think you will panic during the procedure, even with the use of local anesthesia, you may be a good candidate for general anesthesia.
2. How many implants are you getting?
When patients need more than one dental implant, oral surgeons usually prefer to install all of them at the same time. If you only require one or two dental implants, local anesthesia is a good option for you. Your doctor will numb your mouth before proceeding with the procedure. When patients need three or more dental implants, their time in the chair increases. Your dentist may worry about local anesthesia wearing off in the time it takes them to complete the procedure. In this case, general anesthesia is the better option.
3. Do you have any risk factors that make general anesthesia unsafe?
General anesthesia carries more risk than local anesthesia. Certain preexisting conditions can make general anesthesia more dangerous for you. If you are overweight, a heavy smoker, or prone to seizures, general anesthesia may be unsafe for you. Heart conditions and respiratory problems can also make general anesthesia more risky.
4. Does your oral surgeon believe general anesthesia is a good idea?
Finally, you should take your oral surgeon's professional opinion into consideration. They are medical professionals who have completed rigorous schooling. They know what's best for their patients. Your surgeon will advise you on the best course of action when it comes to anesthesia. Remember that they have your best interests in mind.
To learn more about what to consider when getting dental implants, contact a dentist.
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