Dental implants are one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. They offer the look, feel, and function of natural teeth and help preserve jawbone structure. However, not every patient is immediately ready for implant placement. Depending on your oral health, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend one or more preliminary procedures before moving forward. These steps ensure that the implant has a stable foundation and can integrate properly with the jawbone. Here are the most common preliminary procedures you may encounter before getting dental implants.
Tooth Extraction
If you have a damaged or decayed tooth that cannot be saved, it will need to be extracted before an implant can be placed. While this sounds straightforward, the timing of the implant placement can vary. In some cases, the implant can be placed immediately after extraction. In others, your dentist may recommend waiting several weeks or months to allow the extraction site to heal fully, especially if there is infection or insufficient bone at the site.
Bone Grafting
A strong, healthy jawbone is essential for supporting a dental implant. Unfortunately, many patients experience bone loss after tooth loss or due to gum disease. If the jawbone is too thin or soft, it won’t be able to anchor the implant securely.
Bone grafting is a common solution. In this procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon adds bone material to the area where the implant will go. This graft can come from your own body or synthetic materials. Over time, the graft fuses with your natural bone, creating a stable foundation for the implant. Healing from bone grafting can take several months, depending on the extent of the graft and your body’s response.
Sinus Lift
If you’re receiving implants in your upper jaw, especially near the back where the sinuses are located, your dentist may recommend a sinus lift. This procedure is necessary when there isn’t enough bone height in the upper jaw or the sinuses are too close to the jawbone.
During a sinus lift, the sinus membrane is gently lifted, and bone graft material is inserted beneath it to increase the amount of bone available for implant placement. As with bone grafting, this procedure typically requires several months of healing before implants can be placed.
Gum Disease Treatment
Healthy gums are crucial for implant success. If you have active gum disease, it must be treated before implants can be considered. Gum disease can cause bone and tissue loss around the implant site, increasing the risk of implant failure. Treatment may involve deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), antibiotics, or even periodontal surgery, depending on the severity.
While the idea of preliminary procedures might sound daunting, they are vital steps in ensuring the long-term success of your dental implants. Each patient’s treatment plan is unique, based on their oral health, bone structure, and overall goals. By working closely with your dental team, you can ensure that your mouth is fully prepared for a successful and lasting implant experience.
About the Practice
Here at Advanced Dental Associates of Tampa Palms, we are a family-owned dental practice committed to giving you the very best care. That’s why we can offer dental implant placement and restoration in-house with state-of-the-art dental technology. That’s right – no referrals needed to other practices to get your new implants! To see if you’ll need other treatment prior to implants, schedule a consultation with us through our website or call our Tampa office at (813) 972-9077.