Supplemental Procedures for Dental Implants: Enhancing Your Smile

Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for restoring missing or damaged teeth. They provide a natural-looking and long-lasting replacement for teeth that have been lost due to injury, decay, or other dental issues. However, in some cases, supplemental procedures may be necessary to ensure the success of dental implant surgery. 

If you’re considering dental implants, contact our Farmington Hills, MI dentist, Dr. Roman Shlafer by calling (248) 781-0040, to learn more about supplemental procedures. With years of experience and state-of-the-art technology, Dr. Shlafer and his team can help you achieve a natural-looking and long-lasting smile. 

What are Supplemental Procedures?

Supplemental procedures are additional treatments that are performed to prepare the mouth for dental implant surgery or to enhance the results of the surgery. Some common supplemental procedures include bone grafting, sinus lift, ridge augmentation, and soft tissue grafting.

Bone Grafting 

Bone grafting is a procedure that involves adding bone to the jaw to support dental implants. This is necessary when the jawbone has deteriorated or is too thin to support an implant.

Sinus Lift 

A sinus lift is a procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw to support dental implants. This is necessary when the jawbone has deteriorated or when the sinuses are too close to the jaw to accommodate an implant.

Ridge Augmentation 

Ridge augmentation is a procedure that adds bone to the gum line to create a more even surface for dental implants. This is necessary when the gum line is uneven or when there is not enough bone to support an implant.

Soft Tissue Grafting 

Soft tissue grafting is a procedure that adds gum tissue to the mouth to create a more natural-looking smile. This is necessary when the gum line has receded or when there is not enough gum tissue to support an implant.

Reasons for Needing Supplemental Procedures

Dr. Shlafer may recommend supplemental procedures for the following reasons:

Bone Loss Due to Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, it can cause bone loss, which may make it necessary to undergo a supplemental procedure to support dental implants.

Injury or Trauma to the Mouth

Trauma to the mouth, such as a sports injury or car accident, can damage the teeth, gums, and jawbone. If the jawbone is damaged, a supplemental procedure may be required to support dental implants.

Congenital Defects: Some individuals are born with a congenital defect that affects the development of the jawbone. This can make it difficult to support dental implants without a supplemental procedure.

Tooth Loss: When a tooth is lost, the bone that supported the tooth begins to deteriorate. This can make it necessary to undergo a supplemental procedure to support dental implants.

Aging: As we age, the jawbone can deteriorate, making it difficult to support dental implants. A supplemental procedure may be necessary to add bone to the jaw to support dental implants.

Benefits of Supplemental Procedures

Supplemental procedures offer several benefits, which are listed below:

• Improved Success Rate: Supplemental procedures prepare the mouth for dental implant surgery by addressing issues such as bone loss or gum recession. This can improve the success rate of the surgery and ensure that the implants are placed in a stable and secure manner.
• Enhanced Appearance: Supplemental procedures can also improve the appearance of the mouth and smile. Procedures such as soft tissue grafting can add gum tissue to the mouth, creating a more natural-looking smile.
• Comfortable and Natural-Looking Result: Supplemental procedures can also create a more comfortable and natural-looking result. By adding bone or tissue to the mouth, the implants can be placed in a way that feels more natural and doesn’t cause discomfort or irritation.

Candidacy for Supplemental Procedures

Not everyone who needs dental implants will require supplemental procedures. However, those who have experienced bone loss due to periodontal disease, injury or trauma to the mouth, or a congenital defect that affects the development of the jaw may benefit from these procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions