Paving the Way for Successful Dental Implants
Are you considering dental implants but unsure if your mouth is ready for the procedure? Don’t worry; supplemental procedures can help prepare your mouth and ensure a successful implant journey. These additional steps address specific issues that could impact the stability and longevity of your implants, such as insufficient jawbone density or gum problems.
Imagine regaining your confident smile, biting into your favorite foods with ease, and feeling the transformation that dental implants can bring. At Just Smile Dental, we understand that every patient’s needs are unique, which is why we offer a range of supplemental procedures to set you up for implant success.
In some cases, dental implants may not be the best tooth replacement. To find out more, schedule your consultation with our Everett, WA, implant dentist, Dr. William Webley, by calling (425) 341-1111.
What Are Supplemental Procedures?
Supplemental procedures refer to additional steps that may be necessary to prepare the mouth for the placement of dental implants. These procedures are designed to address specific issues that can affect the success of the implant placement, such as insufficient jawbone density, issues with the gums, or other factors that may impact the stability and longevity of the implant. Some common examples of supplemental procedures include bone grafting, sinus lifts, dentin grafting, and ridge augmentation.
Supplemental procedures aren’t always necessary, and the need for them will be determined on a case-by-case basis by your oral surgeon or periodontist. The risks, benefits, and healing times of each procedure must be discussed before implant placement.
Pre-Screening and Assessment
Before any implant procedure, Dr. Webley conducts a thorough evaluation. This includes a comprehensive review of medical history, medication assessment, and a meticulous dental examination. He’ll check the condition of your oral and gum health, teeth condition, bone density, and bone quality. This initial step establishes a foundation for informed decision-making regarding dental implant candidacy.
Radiographic and Diagnostic Imaging
Utilizing state-of-the-art imaging technology, including CBCT and panoramic X-rays, Dr. Webley can precisely visualize your oral structures. These diagnostic tools are instrumental in determining the need for supplemental procedures.
Supplemental Procedures at Just Smile Dental
Autogenous Bone Grafting
An autogenous bone grafting procedure is used when there’s not enough healthy jawbone present to support the implant post. During bone graft surgery, a small amount of bone tissue is removed from another part of the body, such as the hip or the tibia (autogenous bone graft), or processed bone material is used and placed in the jawbone to restore its strength.
After a bone graft, patients will need to carefully follow Dr. Webley’s post-operative instructions to ensure a successful recovery. Instructions may include avoiding hard or crunchy foods, taking any prescribed medications, and maintaining good oral hygiene at home.
While you recover, the bone graft will integrate with the existing bone, creating a strong foundation for dental implants or other tooth replacement options.
Sinus Lift Augmentation
Sinus lifts, also known as sinus lift augmentations, are typically necessary when the upper jaw has too little bone height or the sinuses are too close to the jaw for traditional implant placement. The sinus membrane is lifted during this procedure, and bone is added to the upper jaw to provide support for the implant.
The sinus is an air-filled cavity located behind the cheekbones and above the upper back teeth. When these teeth are lost or extracted, the sinus expands and causes the bone to become thinner, making it difficult to place dental implants.
After a sinus lift, patients may experience bruising, swelling, and minor discomfort. However, these symptoms are easily manageable with medications and plenty of rest. Make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for post-op care.
Dentin Grafting
Dentin grafting is an innovative procedure that utilizes processed human or animal tooth material to fortify and augment the jawbone. This provides enhanced support for dental implants. The key material used is dentin – the hard inner tissue that lies beneath the outer enamel layer of teeth.
This technique offers several advantages over traditional bone grafting methods. Patients often experience quicker healing times, improved soft tissue integration, and stronger implant support with dentin grafts. The process involves obtaining donor dentin material from an approved source. This processed dentin is then carefully grafted onto the areas of the patient’s jawbone requiring augmentation.
To stabilize the graft and promote healing, tiny screws are used to secure the dentin material in place. By leveraging dentin’s unique properties, this procedure helps regenerate adequate bone density and volume in the jaw. This ensures a sturdy foundation to successfully accommodate dental implant placement. Dentin grafting has become a valuable option, especially for more complex cases where bone grafts face limitations.
Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation is used to improve the chances of successful implant placement. When the jawbone has been resorbed or worn away, leaving a narrow or uneven ridge in the jaw, ridge augmentation may be necessary. During ridge augmentation, bone is added to the jaw to build up the ridge and create a stable foundation for the implant.
Recovery time for ridge augmentations varies depending on the extent of the procedure. Patients may experience swelling or minor discomfort after the procedure, but symptoms can be easily managed with rest and medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Healing time can vary depending on the specific procedure, but bone grafting and sinus lifts can take several months to heal before a dental implant treatment can begin.
No, supplemental procedures aren’t always necessary. Whether a supplemental procedure is needed before a dental implant treatment depends on the individual’s oral health. Some medical conditions may not require a supplemental procedure, while others may require one to achieve the desired implant results.
Whether insurance will cover the cost of a supplemental procedure depends on your insurance plan. Some insurance plans may cover the costs, while others may only partially cover it or not cover it at all. It’s best to check with your insurance provider for specific information about coverage for a particular supplemental procedure. It’s also a good idea to carefully review your insurance policy and understand any deductibles, copays, and other costs you may be responsible for.
Get Dental Implant Ready With Supplemental Procedures
Dental implant supplemental procedures are additional steps that may be necessary to prepare the mouth for the placement of dental implants. Learn more about supplemental procedures or dental implants with our Everett dentist.
Contact our dental office today at (425) 341-1111 to schedule your appointment. We welcome patients in Edmonds, Marysville, Lynnwood, and Silver Firs, WA. We look forward to serving you!