727-361-0326
Restore Your Jaw Strength
Deciding to replace missing or damaged teeth with dental implants is an exciting choice. However, here at Emanuel Kontos, DMD, we encourage patients to use caution because not everyone is physically prepared for dental implants right away. Luckily, there are supplemental procedures designed to assist patients in getting ready for their successful smile transformation.
What Are Supplemental Procedures?
Supplemental procedures work to correct underlying oral health issues that prevent patients from qualifying for dental implants. Problems that may hinder patients from qualifying for dental implants include gum recession and jawbone deterioration. When you decide to undergo a supplemental procedure, we can help you improve your oral health and increase your chances of dental implant candidacy.
Gum Tissue Grafting
Many patients choose a dental bridge because it’s an easy option at a very reasonable price. When these patients want a more permanent, functional, and attractive solution to replace their missing teeth, the condition of their gum tissues is often insufficient for implant placement. Even under the best of circumstances, patients with dental bridges can experience significant gum recession after losing one or more teeth. This can leave areas of the tooth root exposed, which increases the risk of sensitivity, infection, pain, and tooth decay. So what’s the solution?
Tissue grafting, also known as a gum graft, is a procedure where a piece of healthy gum tissue is harvested, and a small incision is made. The graft material is then attached to the targeted area, and the patient is sent home to heal. The graft preserves soft tissue in the area and makes the gum tissues less likely to recede after oral surgery. Fortunately, this relatively simple procedure can be performed at the same time as the dental implant placement or before.
Bone Grafting
Other patients choose removable dentures because they’re an easy and inexpensive option. Initially, patients can eat and smile normally, but the bone beneath the missing teeth begins to flatten over time. Similar to patients with receded gums, they’ll learn they may need a supplemental procedure for their receded bone.
Bone grafting procedures can be performed in just a few short visits to our Tarpon Springs dental office. Like gum tissue augmentation, special bone tissues are harvested, and a small incision is made in the area that needs more volume. The graft material is attached and the patient is sent home for healing. The graft then adds proper density to the area to better support a dental implant. After the graft area heals, patients can be evaluated for dental implant candidacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a supplemental procedure necessary?
Can I still get dental implants without a supplemental procedure?
Can I get a bone graft after tooth extraction?
How long does a gum graft take to heal?
When is a supplemental procedure necessary?
Supplemental procedures prepare your teeth, gums, and jawbone for dental implant placement to ensure quality results. Patients who suffer from gum disease or have worn dentures for a long time typically don’t have enough bone density to support a dental implant. With the help of procedures such as bone grafting, more patients qualify for implants than ever before.
Can I still get dental implants without a supplemental procedure?
If you have insufficient bone density in your jaw, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to receive dental implants without a supplemental procedure. Thankfully, Dr. Kontos performs bone grafting and other procedures right here in our Tarpon Springs dental office. This means you can prepare your smile to ensure a safe and effective dental implant procedure without visiting another dentist.
Can I get a bone graft after tooth extraction?
A bone graft is necessary after getting your tooth extracted. After a tooth is extracted, the bone can deteriorate, leaving your face to sag. With a bone graft, our dentist can provide the bone structure and stability needed for dental implants. Even if you have your tooth extracted or the tooth has been out for some time, you can still get a bone graft.
If you have any questions or want to learn about bone grafts, call our Tarpon Springs dental practice at (727) 361-0326 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kontos.
How long does a gum graft take to heal?
After undergoing a gum graft procedure, the healing process can take around one to two weeks. You may feel some discomfort or soreness after the procedure which can be alleviated by taking over-the-counter medications. Most people can return to their daily lifestyle the next day.
Want to Improve Your Chances of Receiving Dental Implants? Call Today!
Thanks to supplemental procedures, patients who initially didn’t qualify for dental implants can now enjoy the benefits of a permanent and natural-looking tooth replacement. If you live in or near Tarpon Springs, FL, call our office at (727) 361-0326 to schedule your no-obligation consultation with Dr. Kontos. You can click the button to the right to fill out our convenient online contact form, and one of our staff members will get back to you promptly.
