3 Procedures You May Need Before a New Smile with Dental Implants

If you are living with a gapped smile, you have likely done some research on the best way to replace your missing teeth. You have probably discovered that dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth loss solutions. They provide incomparable stability and reliability, replacing the tooth from root to crown. Additionally, they look incredibly natural looking! However, not everyone is ready for dental implants right away and may need some work on their mouth to prepare it for a new smile. Here are three of the most common preliminary procedures that patients may need to get dental implants.

#1. Tooth Extraction

While it may not seem the correct road to take, sometimes a patient may need one or more tooth extraction to be ready for dental implants. If a tooth is severely infected or damaged, it will have to be removed for optimal oral health. In the case of needing multiple teeth removed, it is a possibility that there needs to be more room made in the mouth for the restoration of the dental implants. In simple cases, the extractions can just be completed with a forcep. More complex issues most likely need surgical removal. Since every person’s smile is different, your dentist will inform you of the best route to take to prepare your mouth for dental implants.

#2. Dental Bone Grafting

Dental implants’ stability and longevity can be attributed to how the implant naturally integrates with the jawbone over time. This is a process called osseointegration. Since the success of implants rests on the strength of the jaw, it is important there is enough bone density in the jawbone. If not, the implant will loosen and fail. However, if the jawbone isn’t strong enough for a dental implant, all is not lost! A bone grafting procedure can be done to strengthen it. By building the bone back up to sufficient density, your mouth will be ready for a new smile with dental implants!

#3. Sinus Lifts

Similar to dental bone grafting, a sinus lift can be needed to increase the bone structure between the jawbone and the sinus cavity. When dental implants need to replace a molar or premolar in the upper part of the mouth, the area needs to not only be strong enough but there needs to be enough room for the implant. If there is not enough bone density in the upper jaw or not sufficient height between the jawbone and sinus cavity, a sinus lift will be necessary.

If you have a gapped smile, dental implants may be the best solution for you to complete it! By visiting your dentist for a consultation, they can assist you on the journey toward a complete set of teeth, even if that includes a preliminary procedure.

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Capehart and his team at Capehart Dental keep the smiles of Lewisville healthy and beautiful. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. With the belief that a beautiful smile can change a person’s outlook, he offers a range of services, including preventive and cosmetic dental care. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (972) 436-1325.