Dental implants are the ideal way to replace missing teeth because they look and function just like the real thing. While traditional restorations like dentures and dental bridges can have difficulty with chewing tougher or crunchier foods or even give the patient trouble during speech, dental implants have none of these problems because they are placed directly into the jaw. While not every patient will immediately be ready for dental implants, many can be great candidates after preliminary treatments. Here are some procedures you might need before getting dental implants.
You May Need Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions may be necessary before dental implants can be placed. In many cases, a dental patient may have teeth that are beyond saving despite still being in the gum. If such a tooth is severely decayed or injured, it is vulnerable to infections that can spread to the other teeth or even lead to dangerous secondary infections like sepsis. In other cases, it may be necessary to remove healthy teeth to make room for an implant-supported appliance such as a bridge or a denture.
Bone Grafts May Be Necessary
The teeth keep the jawbone stimulated by working against them during the chewing process, and this exercise disappears after a tooth is lost. If a tooth is missing, the bone structure that supported it will begin to atrophy and recede, which can pull the neighboring teeth out of alignment and make them more vulnerable to injury and decay. Since they are placed directly into the jawbone, dental implants can restore this exercise, thereby preventing or even reversing the process of bone loss.
However, patients who have gone a long time with missing teeth may be left with thin jawbones when they decide to get dental implants. Dental implants must be placed in a strong and healthy jaw to be successful, so insufficient bone mass may prevent someone from receiving them immediately. In many of these cases, patients may need bone grafts to reinforce their jaws before they can receive implants. A bone graft involves surgically placing donated skeletal tissue along the atrophied bone so they can fuse together and create a stronger structure.
If you’re not immediately ready to receive dental implants, don’t give up hope just yet. After a consultation, your dentist will be able to tell if receiving any of these treatments can make you a great candidate.
About the Practice
Rauchberg Dental Group provides the finest oral health services available in Parsippany, NJ. Led by an experienced team of eight dentists, the staff sees to each patient receiving personalized dental care that addresses their needs. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To schedule a dental implant consultation, contact the office online or dial (973) 718-9887.