500,000 Americans every year are replacing their lost teeth with dental implants. They are unlike any other treatment because they replicate both the tooth roots and the crowns. This creates a solution that looks and feels natural. Most people with good oral and general health are candidates for dental implants. However, it’s not unusual to require a little prep work before your placement surgery. Here are a few common preliminary procedures you may need before getting dental implants.
Tooth Extractions
If you have a badly damaged tooth that can’t be saved, you’ll need to have it removed before you can get dental implants. In some situations, your dentist may recommend removing healthy teeth to make room for implant dentures. If you only have a couple of healthy teeth, it can be more cost-effective to extract them, so you can benefit from an implant denture.
Gum Disease Therapy
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 50% of Americans have a form of gum disease. Don’t be surprised if you require gum disease therapy. The infection must be resolved before you can have your placement surgery. Healthy gums are the foundation of the success of your procedure. Poor gum health can cause your implants to lack sufficient support, which can cause them to loosen and fail.
Bone Grafting
A titanium implant post must be surgically placed into your jaw to mimic a tooth root. You must have a healthy jaw to support it. However, tooth loss can cause your jaw to shrink by up to 25% within the first year. It can continue to deteriorate as time passes. If you’ve experienced bone loss, you won’t be a candidate without bone grafting. It is a surgical procedure that strengthens the jawbone to ensure your dental implant has sufficient support. Your implant dentist will open your gum tissue to access your jawbone. They’ll place a bone graft over the weakened area and suture your tissue closed. Your jaw will integrate with the graft, enhancing your bone strength.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift or augmentation is another type of bone grafting procedure. If there’s not enough bone to place an implant without it protruding into your sinus cavity, your dentist will recommend the procedure. A small hole is cut into your bone to allow your dentist to lift your sinus. A bone graft holds it in place and covers the hole to ensure your dental implants have enough room.
Not Everyone Needs Prep Work
Not everyone requires additional procedures before they can get dental implants. Your dentist will examine your mouth and review a CT scan to ensure your mouth is healthy. If they find anything concerning, they’ll determine which procedures you’ll need to ensure your dental implant procedure is successful.
About Dr. James Woodruff
Dr. Woodruff is an award-winning dentist who graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Dental School. He is recognized as one of “America’s Best Dentists” by the National Consumer Advisory Board. He has continued his training in many specialties, including dental implant surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and implant restoration. He has performed over 30,000 dental surgeries. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (847) 272-0049.