Achieve a Dazzling Smile with Supplemental Procedures!

If you feel self-conscious about missing teeth, you might have considered getting dental implants. However, you may have been told you don’t have enough jawbone density to support the implant. Thankfully, supplemental procedures for dental implants at Implant & General Dentistry of Long Island can help.

These supplemental procedures can include bone grafts, sinus lifts, and soft tissue augmentation. While they may add extra time and cost to the dental implant process, they can greatly improve the success and longevity of your implants. 

To learn more about dental implant supplemental procedures and to schedule an appointment, contact our Long Island, NY, dentist, Dr. Glasser by calling (631) 423-6767 today.

What Are Implant Supplemental Procedures?

Supplemental procedures are additional treatments or interventions that prepare your mouth for dental implants. These supplemental procedures are necessary to ensure that the implant site has adequate bone support, healthy gum tissue, and proper alignment for successful implant placement. Some common implant supplemental procedures include: 

• Bone grafting
• Sinus lift
• Ridge modification
• Gum tissue grafting
• Gum disease treatment 

Supplemental procedures aren’t always necessary. Dr. Glasser will determine whether you need these procedures during your consultation at our Long Island dental office. 

Types of Supplemental Procedures 

Bone Grafting 

Bone grafting is commonly used in implant dentistry to augment your jawbone if it lacks adequate volume or density to support your dental implants. When a tooth is lost or extracted, the surrounding bone may begin to resorb or shrink over time. This bone loss can result in insufficient bone mass to securely anchor an implant.

The bone grafting procedure involves adding bone tissue to the weak area of your jawbone. During this procedure, Dr. Glasser accesses the deficient area of your jawbone. He then places the bone graft material into the desired location and secures it in place. Over time, your natural bone cells will grow into and around the graft material, integrating it into your existing bone structure.

After the bone graft consolidates and matures, your jawbone becomes stronger and more suitable for dental implant placement. The implant surgery can proceed once the bone graft has successfully integrated, providing a stable foundation for your new implants.

Sinus Lift

A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation or sinus elevation, is a surgical procedure used to increase the amount of bone in your upper jaw.

The maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces located above the upper molars and premolars. When these teeth are lost or extracted, the sinus membrane may expand downward, reducing the available bone height for dental implant placement. A sinus lift procedure can create additional space between your sinus membrane and jawbone, allowing the bone graft material to augment the bone height.

Ridge Modification 

Ridge modification, also known as ridge augmentation, enhances the shape, size, and quality of the jawbone ridge to create a strong foundation for dental implants. This bony ridge supports your teeth and forms the upper or lower arch of the jaw.

Once the ridge modification site has fully healed and adequate bone volume and density are present, our Long Island implant dentist can perform the dental implant surgery. 

Ridge modification procedures are typically performed by oral surgeons or periodontists with expertise in implant dentistry. They’re essential for patients with inadequate bone structure or irregular ridges who need dental implants for tooth replacement.

Gum Tissue Grafting

Gum tissue grafting, also known as gingival grafting or periodontal plastic surgery, augments or restores the gum tissue around your dental implants. This procedure is commonly performed to address deficiencies in gum tissue volume, improve gum tissue thickness, correct gum recession, and enhance the aesthetic outcome of dental implant restorations.

Gum tissue grafting is most necessary for patients with thin or deficient gum tissue seeking optimal aesthetic outcomes and long-term stability of their dental implants. By enhancing the soft tissue architecture around dental implants, gum tissue grafting can improve your dental implants’ overall appearance, function, and longevity.

Gum Disease Treatment

Treating gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is crucial for the success of dental implant procedures. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone loss and eventually tooth loss, which can compromise the stability and longevity of your dental implants.

By addressing gum disease and optimizing periodontal health before dental implant placement, you can reduce the risk of implant complications, such as peri-implantitis (inflammation around implants), implant failure, and bone loss.

To learn more about your supplemental procedure options, schedule an appointment with our Long Island dentist by calling (631) 423-6767.

Benefits Of Supplemental Procedures

Implant supplemental procedures offer several benefits that contribute to the success and longevity of dental implant treatment, such as:

• Enhanced Bone Support: Supplemental procedures such as bone grafting, sinus lift, and ridge modification augment the jawbone, providing a strong foundation for dental implants. Adequate bone support is essential for implant success and quality of life.
• Improved Aesthetic Outcomes: Gum tissue grafting and periodontal care can enhance the appearance of the gums and soft tissues surrounding dental implants, improving smile aesthetics. 
• Optimized Implant Placement: Supplemental procedures help correct anatomical irregularities and limitations in your jawbone and soft tissues, allowing for precise dental implant placement.
• Reduced Risk of Complications: Treating pre-existing oral health issues reduces the risk of complications during and after implant surgery. Supplemental procedures promote a healthy oral environment, minimizing the likelihood of implant failure.
• Long-Term Stability and Durability: By fortifying the supporting structures of dental implants, supplemental procedures enhance the stability, longevity, and durability of implant-supported restorations.
  

 Candidacy for Supplemental Procedures 

Candidacy for dental implant supplemental procedures depends on various factors, including your oral health, bone structure, medical history, and treatment goals. Dr. Glasser reviews the following factors to determine whether you’re a candidate for supplemental procedures: 

• Medical History: You should be in good health without uncontrolled medical conditions that may affect the success of supplemental procedures. Conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and uncontrolled cardiovascular disease may require careful evaluation and management before any treatment.
• Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking and tobacco use are known risk factors for implant failure and complications. Candidates who smoke or use tobacco products may be advised to quit or reduce their use before implant surgery to improve healing and reduce the risk of implant-related complications.
• Treatment Goals: Candidates should have realistic treatment expectations and clear goals for their future dental implants. Supplemental procedures may be recommended to achieve specific treatment objectives.
• Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Candidates must be committed to good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

Frequently Asked Questions