Not all patients require preliminary dental implant procedures. However, it is not uncommon during a regular consultation that your dentist recommends one or more treatments to improve the state of your oral health and jawbone. When preparing for permanent prosthetics to replace your missing teeth, your mouth and facial structures must be as dense and stable as possible, so here are three potential procedures you might need before receiving dental implants.
Bone Grafting to Provide Greater Density
When the existing jawbone is not dense enough to adequately support your dental implants, it is necessary that you undergo a bone grafting procedure.
This process involves making a small incision in the gum tissue and placing grafting materials from either your body (i.e., the roof of your mouth) or from a donor. Once they are added to the small portion of your jawbone, the area is closed, and the new and existing bones will begin to integrate over several months.
Once it is fully healed, you will be able to undergo dental implant surgery and begin the process of moving toward a full, complete smile.
Periodontal Therapy to Improve Gum Health
Poor gum health can have a devastating impact on your smile if left untreated. Without periodontal therapy, the hope of dental implants is non-existent simply because bacterial accumulations can continue to impact the jawbone and make it impossible for these prosthetics to remain in place. Eventually, they’ll fail.
If signs of gum disease are present, it will be necessary that your dental team removes the bacteria and debris from gum tissues with a process known as deep cleaning. Also referred to as scaling and root planing, the procedure requires clearing away bacteria above and below the gumline before smoothing out the tooth roots to encourage gum reattachment.
Tooth Extraction Should Severe Decay Exist
Although it might seem odd to extract a tooth and then have it replaced with a dental implant, it is sometimes necessary to undergo this process. The reason is that severe decay or facial trauma can cause a tooth to no longer be viable. As a result, it needs to be removed to avoid causing further damage to your smile.
It is necessary, though, to allow the socket to fully heal before receiving a dental implant. Depending on the status of the jawbone, you might also need a bone graft to help create a denser foundation for your titanium posts.
Do not be alarmed if you are recommended for one or more preliminary dental implant procedures. Many patients require them. Just remember that should you need bone grafting, periodontal therapy, tooth extraction, or another similar solution, it will serve to improve your chances of longer-lasting implants once they are in place.
About the Author
Dr. Parnam “Patrick” Mohanna is a trusted dentist in Glenpool who began his career in dentistry at the age of 16 serving as a dental assistant. After earning his dental degree at the University of Oklahoma, he taught in the university’s clinic for removable prosthetics and helped many students learn more about the design and fabrication of removable appliances. At 918 Dentist, he and our team are here to deliver top-of-the-line services to patients looking to receive dental implants. If you need to improve the state of your smile before receiving permanent prosthetics, let us know by contacting us at (918) 216-1000.