Have you been hearing about the advantages of replacing missing teeth with dental implants compared to traditional tooth replacements? These metal posts can be incredibly sturdy and may even last decades with proper care. However, you might need certain preliminary procedures done before you can receive dental implants. Keep reading to learn which ones you may need to undergo before enjoying your new pearly whites.
Why Would You Need Preliminary Dental Implant Treatments?
In some cases, even if a patient is missing some or all of their teeth, they might not yet be an eligible candidate for dental implant surgery. This is why you’ll first go through an initial consultation where your dentist will evaluate your oral health to check for any underlying problems that could pose a risk for implant failure. These complications can include tooth decay, gum disease, or insufficient jawbone volume due to tooth loss. To be a good candidate for dental implants, you must maintain great oral hygiene while having strong and healthy bone support to keep your new teeth in place.
Common Preliminary Procedures You Might Expect
To decide on which preliminary treatment will be necessary for you, your dentist will need to thoroughly assess your mouth. By capturing diagnostic images and discussing your dental and medical history, they can determine one or some of the following procedures that may be required before dental implant surgery:
- Gum Disease Treatment: Your gum line will be an essential part of holding your metal posts in place. If the connective tissue is infected and/or weak, it can increase the risk of treatment failure or won’t even allow your implants to fuse properly to begin with. By treating your gums and eliminating bacteria in the area, you’ll have a greater chance of success.
- Tooth Extraction: If you have existing tooth decay that can’t be treated, then your dentist may simply remove the tooth to protect the rest of your mouth from disease.
- Bone Grafting: Those who don’t have enough jawbone density may require bone grafting, which involves embedding grafting material into the weaker parts of your jaw so that you can regain a stronger and healthier support for your dental implants.
- Sinus Lift: For patients who need to replace missing teeth in the back of their upper arch, a sinus lift might be necessary. To avoid damaging the sinus cavity, your dentist can lift the tissue and then add grafting material so that your new tooth roots have the proper support to fuse to.
Just because you might not be a candidate for dental implants right now doesn’t mean you can’t work towards being eligible! By preparing your mouth properly, you’ll be more likely to undergo a successful treatment and enjoy a complete smile again.
About the Author
Dr. Zac Young is a graduate of the University of Illinois-Chicago and has extensive training in various areas, including periodontics. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and offers many dental services, such as dental implants. If you wish to learn more about this treatment or any preliminary procedures you might require, visit our website or call our office at 708-448-4161.