The difference between local and general anesthesia in dental implant

Dental implants are used as an effective and solid method to replace lost or damaged teeth. To perform this procedure, proper anesthesia for the patient is very important. Currently, there are two common types of anesthesia for dental implants: local anesthesia and general anesthesia. In this article, we will examine the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each of these methods.

Differences between local and general anesthesia

Local anesthesia means anesthesia in a limited area of ​​the body, while general anesthesia means anesthesia throughout the body.

Implementation method: Local anesthesia is performed by injecting local narcotic drugs, such as lidocaine, novocaine, and articaine. On the other hand, general anesthesia is performed using drugs and anesthetic gases such as sodium thiopental and isoflurane.

Area of ​​anesthesia: In local anesthesia, the patient is numbed only in the required area, such as the teeth to be implanted. While in general anesthesia, the patient exposes his whole body to anesthesia.

Patient awareness: In local anesthesia, the patient is still awake and can respond to all events occurring during surgery. This allows the patient to feel in control of his condition. In some cases, patients may experience noises or sensitivity to touch at the implant site. In addition, by using local anesthesia, the patient can play an active role in the decision-making process and cooperation with the dentist. On the other hand, in general anesthesia, the patient is under the influence of anesthetics and is unconscious. This means that the patient is not aware of any events during surgery and operations. In this case, the patient is not able to interact or control his condition and fully trusts the anesthesiologist.

Risks and complications: Local anesthesia has fewer risks compared to general anesthesia. The use of local pain relievers reduces the systemic risks and side effects caused by general anesthesia. However, in some special cases, such as severe anxiety or the need for a longer implant placement, general anesthesia may be preferred.

Administration time: Local anesthesia is usually faster and easier to administer than general anesthesia. While general anesthesia requires more time to prepare the patient and more management from the point of view of the medical team. Also, the time of general anesthesia to get out of the dumb state and the normal and favorable state of the patient is more. Therefore, local anesthesia can shorten the surgery time and allow the patient to return to daily activities more quickly.

Physical limitations: In local anesthesia, the patient can move his arms and legs. This allows the dentist in Ottawa to direct the patient to specific instructions during surgery and achieve more accurate results. In general anesthesia, the patient is unconscious and unable to move, and this can create some limitations in the surgical process.

Local and general anesthesia each have their advantages and disadvantages in implanting dental implants. Local anesthesia is suitable for cases that require limited anesthesia and patients tend to be awake and in control of their condition during surgery. In addition, it has a shorter execution time and fewer systemic risks. On the other hand, general anesthesia is suitable for cases that require anesthesia throughout the body and complete anesthesia. Finally, the decision on the type of anesthesia should be made according to the conditions and needs of each patient.

Frequently asked questions about the difference between local and general anesthesia in dental implant implantation

Question 1: Does local anesthesia have any risks in dental implant implantation?

Local anesthesia in dental implant placement has fewer systemic risks than general anesthesia. By using local narcotics, the risks of systemic side effects are reduced and complications such as intolerance to general anesthetics are avoided.

Question 2: Is general anesthesia associated with risks in dental implant implantation?

General anesthesia also comes with its risks. The use of drugs and anesthetic gases may cause complications such as nausea and vomiting, sleeping after surgery, respiratory complications, and in the rarest cases, dangerous complications such as seizures or severe allergies. However, the specialized medical team at the clinic is in a position to properly assess all the possibilities and risks and take appropriate measures to minimize the risks.

Question 3: Can patients have sensitivity or anxiety during surgery under local anesthesia?

Yes, in some cases, patients may experience sensitivity or anxiety during surgery under local anesthesia. Sounds or sensitivity to touch in the area of ​​implant placement may be uncomfortable for the patient. In such cases, the local anesthesiologist can take the necessary measures and use ways such as increasing the patient’s relaxation rate, providing sedatives, and using soothing techniques to reduce the patient’s anxiety. The importance of pleasant and accurate communication with the patient is very important at this stage.

Question 4: Is the time to return to daily activities different for local and general anesthesia?

Local anesthesia usually requires a shorter time to return to the patient’s daily activities. Because patients in this type of anesthesia are awake and able to move. However, the time to return to daily activities after general anesthesia is longer because the patient is in this state of unconsciousness and needs more time to recover.

Question 5: Which anesthesia method is more common in dental implant implantation?

Both local and general anesthesia are used in dental implant placement, but local anesthesia is more common in dental implant placement. This is due to the simplicity and speed of implementation, the reduction of systemic risks and side effects, the patient’s cooperation during the surgery, and the faster return time to the patient’s daily activities.