Who Needs a Supplemental Procedure?
We’re always excited to see patients come in for their consultation ready to begin treatment with dental implants. However, after examining some patients’ oral health, Drs. Keith and Daniel MacDonald may require a preliminary procedure to help restore their health and improve the condition of their mouth.
At our Archdale dental office, this can be easily accomplished with one or both of our supplemental treatments– bone grafting and gum disease treatments. We want all our patients to experience the freedom, confidence, and happiness dental implants help provide.
Learn more about the supplemental procedures and contact Drs. Keith and Daniel MacDonald today to get started on your journey towards a successful implant treatment.
The Effects of Lost Bone
In order for a dental implant to be placed, a patient will need a sufficient amount of bone density to support the fixture. Without enough bone in the jaw, a dental implant won’t be able to successfully integrate with the jawbone which results in a loose, unstable implant that can become infected or potentially fall out.
When patients are lacking enough bone support, it’s usually because they’ve been suffering from tooth loss for too long and bone resorption has occurred. It can also happen when patients have been wearing dentures for a long period of time and haven’t been receiving proper stimulation from a tooth root.
The Bone Grafting Process
Bone grafting is a procedure that helps regrow a patient’s jawbone using donated bone tissue typically from their own body. Dr. MacDonald will place the bone graft in the area of the jaw that needs strengthening so it can grow back over time.
Once your jaw has successfully regenerated, you’ll be able to return to our Archdale office so we can place your implants. Restoring your jaw strength doesn’t only allow you to receive dental implants, but it also helps maintain your facial structure and eliminates the risk of premature wrinkling. You’ll be able to preserve your appearance while also attaining a stunning, fully-restored smile.
Poor Gum Health Can Impact Your Candidacy
Another factor our team considers when determining a patient’s candidacy for dental implants is their gum health. Gum disease is an extremely common dental problem in America that can initially prevent patients from receiving implants. Luckily, we offer various gum treatments that allow patients to undergo implant treatment once their gum health has improved.
After Drs. Keith and Daniel MacDonald determine you need a supplemental gum treatment, they’ll decide whether or not you can receive the procedure on the same day as your implant placement or if you’ll require a healing period.
Our Gum Disease Treatments
To reverse the damages of gum disease, we offer various procedures that can help prepare your mouth for dental implants. Learn how we can improve the health of your teeth and gums below.
- Pocket Depth Reduction: Also known as “flap” surgery, this procedure is done when there are deep pockets surrounding your teeth caused by gum disease. During this surgery, our team will fold back the infected gum tissue to remove bacteria, plaque, tartar, and any severely damaged tissue. We’ll then sew the healthy tissue back into place and your gums will reattach to your teeth.
- Soft Tissue Grafting: Gum recession is a very common symptom associated with gum disease. To help rebuild the gum area so it can hold an implant, our dentists will use tissue from the roof of your mouth to cover and restore the gumline that has receded.
- LANAP Therapy: Another gum treatment we may suggest is our laser-assisted procedure. With the use of our laser technology, Drs. Keith and Daniel MacDonald can provide patients with a safer, non-invasive, and more efficient surgery to treat gum disease and help stimulate healthy gum growth.
After completing one or more of these gum disease treatments, your smile will be ready for dental implants. It won’t be much longer until you can eat, speak, and enjoy the freedom of a beautiful smile again.
