The Road to Dental Implants: Preliminary Procedures You Might Need

Dental implants are a fantastic solution for missing teeth, offering durability and a natural look. However, not every patient will be able to go straight into their procedure. In fact, many will need a few preliminary procedures to ensure the best outcome. Read on to learn all about some of the treatments you may need before your dental implant procedure.

Tooth Extractions

Extractions are common in the preparatory phase and ensure that your implants will have a healthy and stable environment for placement. Damaged or decayed teeth are often removed to prevent further spread of bacteria. In rare cases, other teeth will need to be removed to make room for restorations like bridges.

Bone Grafting

Adequate bone density is essential for the stability of dental implants. If you have insufficient bone due to tooth loss, gum disease, or natural bone deterioration, a bone graft may be necessary. This process uses bone material from either your body or a donor to fill in or build up the implant site.

Sinus Lifts

For patients needing implants in the upper jaw, particularly near the molars and premolars, a sinus lift might be required. This procedure typically uses equine (horse) bone to pad the area below your sinuses. Doing so ensures that the implant fixture doesn’t harm the sensitive areas above.

Gum Treatments

Healthy gums are just as important as a strong jawbone for the success of dental implants. If you have thin or receding gums, a soft tissue graft may be needed to build gum tissue around the implant site.

Likewise, gum disease weakens the gum tissue and underlying bone, causing your implants to fail. It will need to be treated before your procedure to raise your chances of success.

As you can see, the road to dental implants can involve several preparatory procedures! While you may not be able to immediately get your implants each extra step is designed to improve the outcome. By performing these procedures first, your dentist sets you up for a successful implant experience and a beautiful, lasting smile.

About the Author

If you need a skilled dentist to place your dental implants in Denton, Dr. Jonathan Aguilar has the technology and know-how to get it done right. He earned his dental doctorate from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. Since then, he has continued to push his limits to provide better dental care and an excellent patient experience. Call (940) 566-5332 to schedule a dental implant consultation at Aguilar Family Dentistry or visit the website to explore other services.