When you attend your dental implant consultation, you might get good news right away. You could be informed that your mouth is ready to support your new teeth, and you can move ahead with your implant placement surgery right away. However, there is also a chance that you will be told that some preliminary procedures are necessary first. What treatments are often needed to prepare the mouth for dental implants? This blog post discusses three.
Tooth Extractions
As a general rule, dentists want to help patients preserve their remaining natural teeth if at all possible. However, there are exceptions. For example, tooth extractions may be recommended if your remaining teeth are in poor condition. Or, if you just have a few teeth left, taking them out can make room for full-arch restoration with a complete implant denture.
In some cases, dental implants can be placed immediately after necessary extractions. In other instances, a waiting period is necessary so the mouth can heal.
Gum Disease Treatment
Healthy gums are essential for the long-term success of dental implants. If you have an active gum infection, it could interfere with your dental implants and ultimately cause them to fail.
Fortunately, gum disease is highly treatable. You might need something as simple as changes to your oral hygiene routine or a deep cleaning of the mouth known as scaling and root planing. For advanced gum disease, more extensive care may be needed.
Bone Grafting
Dental implants depend on having enough healthy bone in your jaw to support them. If you have experienced bone loss due to missing teeth, gum disease, or other factors, your dentist may recommend a bone grafting procedure.
During bone grafting, your dentist will place new bone material in areas where your jawbone is too thin or weak. This process encourages your body to generate new bone tissue, thereby strengthening your jaw and creating a stable foundation for your implants. Bone grafting may add a few months to your treatment timeline, but it is often essential for ensuring the long-term stability and success of dental implants.
Preliminary care before dental implant placement might seem like a hassle, but it can be truly essential! Follow your dentists’ recommended treatment plan to give your new smile the best chance of long-term success.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group has been serving our community for decades. We are proud to provide comprehensive dental implant services, including preliminary treatments, in a welcoming environment. If you are ready to learn what it would take to restore your lost teeth, we would be pleased to consult with you. Contact our New Haven, CT, location at 203-712-4068 to request an appointment.