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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Emanuel Kontos
2605 Keystone Rd
Tarpon Springs, FL
USA 34688
New Patients:
727-361-0326
Current Patients:
727-939-2099
Monday: 7:30AM – 5PM
Tuesday: 7:30AM – 5PM
Wednesday: 7:30AM – 5PM
Thursday: 7:30AM – 5PM
Friday: 8AM – 12PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed