Preparing For Dental Implants

Prerequisite Procedures Before Dental Implants

Before recommending dental implant placement, Dr. Naminik, Dr. Hirsch, or Dr. Koshki will perform a thorough examination to check for existing dental issues and potential complications. While implants are a viable solution for most tooth loss patients, some requirements must be met before you can undergo surgery.

Good Oral Health

Besides obvious symptoms, like toothaches and bad breath, many dental health issues can have seriously detrimental effects. For instance, periodontal disease, the leading cause of adult tooth loss, can destroy the gums and jawbone that support your teeth, potentially causing your implant(s) to fail. If your examination reveals periodontal disease or tooth decay, then we will have to resolve the issue with an appropriate restorative treatment plan first.

Sufficient Jawbone Strength

As replacements for your teeth’s roots, implants require the strength of a healthy jawbone for support. If your tooth loss is due to periodontal disease, or if it’s been a while since you’ve lost teeth, then your jawbone may have lost density, in which case we may suggest undergoing a jawbone graft to strengthen it. Also known as dental ridge augmentation, the procedure describes surgically grafting donor bone material onto a structurally weak area of your jawbone. With the graft, the bone will be stronger and better able to support your dental implant posts and restoration.