Dental implants are one of the most effective ways to restore missing teeth, but not everyone is ready for them right away. It’s not a failing; it’s simply a fact. Depending on your oral health and jawbone condition, you might need a few preliminary procedures first. But what are these procedures, and why would you need them? Continue reading to discover a few ways your dentist might prepare your mouth for dental implants.
Tooth Extractions
Extractions are normally a last resort for healthy teeth. However, if severe damage or decay is the reason you’re getting dental implants, those teeth may need to go. If you’re getting implant dentures, it could also be a necessary step.
Sometimes extractions can be done in the same visit as other prep procedures, but in most cases, you’ll need time to heal before moving on.
Bone Grafting
Dental implants need a strong jawbone to stay secure. If the bone structure around the implant site is too thin or soft, a bone graft can help. This procedure involves adding bone material from another part of your body (usually the chin, hip, or tibia) to your jaw to build it up. Think of it as reinforcing the foundation of a building before installing a support beam.
Healing from bone grafting can take a few months, but it significantly increases the chances of implant success.
Sinus Lift
Your sinus cavity is close to the upper rear of your mouth, so if you’re getting implants around that area, they might be too close for comfort. Thankfully, a sinus lift can gently raise the delicate membrane out of harm’s way and reinforce the site with grafted bone.
This creates enough space for a stable implant without impacting your ability to breathe. It sounds intense, but it’s actually a fairly common procedure.
Periodontal Treatment
Healthy gums are essential for implant success. If you have gum disease, especially late-stage periodontitis, your dentist or periodontist will need to treat it first. This is because periodontitis can degrade both gum tissue and bone, making it difficult to secure your implants.
Treatment usually involves deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) or surgery for advanced cases.
Dental implants are a big investment, which is why dental teams do so much prep work beforehand. Success means that you can enjoy the benefits of your implants for decades, or even a lifetime! So, taking time to build a healthy foundation is the right move every time. If you’re unsure whether you need these procedures, contact your dentist. They can walk you through every step of the process and set you up for a smooth, successful treatment.
About the Practice
At Waban Dental Group, our team of dental experts is thrilled to work with patients to help them achieve a gorgeous grin. Whether you’re in need of a single dental implant, or a full-arch implant denture, we use the latest dental technology to help you succeed. Call (617) 527-6061 to schedule a dental implant consultation with us or visit our website to explore other services.
