I Want Dental Implants; What Preliminary Procedures May I Need?

Dental implants are remarkable restorative devices that have allowed countless patients to enjoy beautiful, functional, and complete smiles after tooth loss. While these appliances are the ideal form of tooth replacement, not every patient is ready to receive them when they have their initial consultation. Here are a few of the preliminary treatments you may need before you can receive dental implants.

Gum Disease Treatments

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of dental implant failure, so implants placed in compromised gums are likely to be doomed from the beginning. To prevent this, your dentist may recommend:

• Scaling and root planing: If you have advanced periodontal disease caused by extensive tartar and plaque buildup beneath the gumline, your dentist may use this treatment to eliminate this accumulation and help your gums reintegrate with the roots of your teeth.
• Antibiotic therapy: Your dentist may recommend using antibiotics to kill the bacteria infecting your gums. This may take the form of pills or a topical treatment applied directly to your soft tissues.

Bone Grafts

The bone structure that supports a tooth will begin to atrophy and recede after the tooth is lost. This atrophy can pull neighboring teeth out of alignment, which leaves them more vulnerable to injury, decay, and loss, and eventually leave the jawbone too thin to support dental implants. If your jaw has low bone density, your dentist may recommend receiving bone grafts to reinforce its structure before you receive dental implants.

Bone grafts for dental implants work by taking bone tissue from the patient’s body or a bone bank and applying it to the jawbone through an incision in the gums after an appropriate anesthetic is administered. Over the following weeks, the donated bone tissue will integrate with the jawbone to increase its mass, density, and strength. After you have had a few months to recover, you’ll be ready to receive dental implants.

While these procedures and their recovery periods may seem time-consuming at first, they can be a necessary step toward receiving the most permanent, functional, and beautiful form of tooth replacement available. Consulting with your dentist can help you find out if you need any preliminary treatments before getting dental implants.

About the Practice

Laketown Family Dental offers the most excellent oral health services in Norton Shores. Led by Drs. Ariel and Eric Heisser, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys pleasant dental experiences in a clean and comfortable office. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact the office online or dial (231) 737-2273.