Anesthesia for a Dental Implant: What is Necessary?

Anesthetic requirements are individualized to the patients' needs. The majority of single implants are placed with local(Lidocaine) anesthesia. Local can be used for a nerve block in the quadrant where the implant is to be placed. I've used 4% Septocaine/with epinephrine for the past decade for local infiltration anesthesia. This is the least invasive and most comfortable technique. It is what I recommend for the majority of my patients. Rarely does a patient request I.V. sedation. Oral conscious sedation (Halcion)is also available for the anxious individual. Discuss these details with your surgeon. If you want to drive to and from the office by yourself, local anesthesia with nitrous oxide (analgesia)is an effective choice. Good Luck! Theodore M Grossman DMD