You’ve probably heard all about how fantastic dental implants are—the incredible, groundbreaking treatment option is capable of restoring a compromised smile to a complete and beautiful state. However, not everyone with missing teeth is immediately eligible for dental implants; in certain cases, a preliminary procedure might be necessary to prepare a patient for getting implants. Here’s more from your dentist about some of these procedures and how they ultimately contribute to the lasting success of dental implants.
Why Dental Implants Rely on a Healthy Mouth
After dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, they rely on a process called osseointegration to healthily fuse with it. The implant posts are made from biocompatible materials that can safely do this, but sometimes, a patient’s mouth has issues present that prevent this process from occurring. Insufficient jawbone density and untreated gum disease are among the two most notable problems that impact dental implant eligibility. Regardless of the cause, if osseointegration cannot occur, the dental implants won’t last for very long.
In any case, a patient’s mouth must be healthy and suited for dental implants before the surgery can occur, and sometimes, a preliminary procedure is necessary. Here’s more about a few of the most common ones:
Supplementary Bone Grafting
When teeth are missing, the surrounding jawbone structure begins to weaken and deteriorate—this in turn weakens bone density and can lead to problems such as additional lost teeth as well as a collapse in facial structure. By borrowing and repurposing bone (often from another part of the patient’s body or a reliable cadaver), the jawbone can easily be fortified in preparation for dental implants. Once healed, the jaw will have the necessary volume to support as many implants as needed.
Tooth Extractions
Even though it might seem a little counterintuitive, sometimes natural teeth must be removed before a patient can get dental implants. This is normally the case when a patient has a tooth so severely damaged or decayed that it’s beyond saving. It can also be necessary if a patient needs multiple implants, but healthy teeth are in the way of the intended restorations. These extractions are generally categorized into two different types: simple extraction, used for teeth above the gum line, and surgical extraction for more complex cases.
Sinus Lifts
Sinus lifts are fairly similar to bone grafts; they’re usually only needed when implants are being used to replace molars or premolars in the upper part of the mouth. They can also be used when the patient’s sinus is larger than normal, which can sometimes impact the density of the upper jaw. The procedure essentially increases the amount of bone structure between the jawbone and upper sinus, thus creating room for future implants.
If you’ve been informed that dental implants aren’t an option for you until you’ve undergone one of these procedures, there’s no reason to worry or panic. It’s by no means an unnecessary step, and the extra amount of preparation going into your implant placement ultimately ensures that your new smile will last for a lifetime!
About the Author
Dr. Sujal Patel has proudly served the dental needs of the Dallas area for several years! Dr. Patel received his DDS from the New York University College of Dentistry and is an active member of numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. His practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of services including dental implants and related preliminary procedures. If you have any questions about dental implants or would like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact Dr. Patel through his practice’s website or by phone: (972) 818-5649.