If you’re planning to get a dental implant, one of the most common questions is: Can I drive myself home afterward? The answer depends on the type of sedation or anesthesia used during your procedure.
Here’s a quick guide for Canadian patients preparing for dental implant surgery.
🚴 If You Had Local Anesthesia Only
If your dentist uses just local freezing (like for a filling), you can usually drive yourself home afterward. The numbness only affects the treatment area and doesn’t impair your ability to drive safely.
🛌 If You Had Sedation
If your procedure involves any kind of sedation, you should not drive after your appointment. Sedation may include:
- Oral sedation (a pill taken before treatment)
- IV sedation (administered during the procedure)
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) — in some cases, you may still need someone to drive you home, depending on how you react
These forms of sedation can affect your coordination, reaction time, and judgment, even if you feel awake.
⚠️ Plan Ahead
- Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment
- Avoid taking public transit alone if you’ve had sedation
- Take the rest of the day to rest and recover
🩺 What If You Don’t Have a Driver?
Let your dental office know in advance. Some clinics in Canada can help coordinate medical transportation or may adjust your sedation plan based on your needs.
Got questions about your implant appointment?
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from preparation to recovery — so you feel confident every step of the way.