Ideally, every candidate for dental implants would only need to undergo the implant placement procedure and a period of healing before they get their replacement teeth. The reality is, we’re all different and not every candidate for dental implants is a strong candidate. Many people often need supporting procedures in order to make sure their dental implants are viable for the long term. Take a look at some of the procedures you might need in order to prepare for dental implant placement.
Tooth Extractions
If you’ve got healthy teeth left, your dentist can work out a plan to preserve those teeth and implant replacement teeth alongside them. But if you have a need for full arch dental implants, chances are, any remaining teeth have been compromised and you’ll need tooth extractions.
Failing teeth must be extracted in order to make way for dental implants and to help get gum disease under control.
Bone Grafting
On their own, gum disease and tooth loss can result in a loss of bone in the jaws. Without sufficient bone mass and density, dental implants won’t be viable. Bone grafting offers a way to regenerate new bone to provide a firm foundation for dental implants. Bone material, synthetic or natural, is packed into an area of low bone dentistry, wrapped with a membrane to guide growth, and then left to heal for a few months. Once healed, a person who might have been a bad candidate for dental implants can be a strong candidate for implants.
Other Procedures
Tooth extractions and bone grafting are two of the most popular supporting procedures for dental implants. But there are others, including:
Ridge Preservation – if implant placement will happen years after a tooth extraction, ridge preservation can help stop the bone loss that can occur after an extraction
Sinus Lift – the sinuses can sag in the mouth and crowd space needed for dental implants. A sinus lift can tuck the sinuses back to make way for implants.
More on Full Arch Dental Implants in North Hills, CA
Reserve an appointment with a local dentist to learn more about what you can expect from getting full arch dental implants in North Hills, CA.