Procedures You Might Need Before Getting Dental Implants
Posted on 6/2/2025 by Dr. Frank K. Sioda
Missing teeth can be a real pain, both literally and figuratively. They can affect your ability to chew, speak, and even smile with confidence. Fortunately, dental implants offer a permanent and natural-looking solution to missing teeth. However, before you can get dental implants, you might need some preparatory procedures to ensure the best possible outcome.
Bone Grafting
One of the most common procedures needed before dental implants is bone grafting. This is especially true if you have been missing teeth for a long time, as the bone in your jaw can shrink or deteriorate. Bone grafting involves taking bone from another area of your body or using synthetic bone material to rebuild the jawbone. This creates a strong foundation for the implant to be placed.
Sinus Lift
If you are missing teeth in your upper back jaw, you might need a sinus lift. This procedure raises the floor of the sinus cavity to create enough space for the implant to be placed. This is necessary because the sinus cavity can be very close to the upper jawbone.
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is another procedure that might be needed before dental implants. This is done to thicken or reshape the gums, which can be important for both the aesthetic and functional success of the implant. Gum grafting can also help to prevent gum recession, which can expose the implant and lead to infection.
Tooth Extraction
In some cases, it may be necessary to extract a tooth before getting a dental implant. This is usually done if the tooth is severely damaged or infected. Once the tooth is extracted, the bone and gum tissue will need time to heal before the implant can be placed.
Other Procedures
There are a few other procedures that might be needed before dental implants, depending on your individual situation. These include:
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Crown lengthening: This procedure is done to expose more of the tooth structure so that the implant can be placed securely.
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Ridge augmentation: This procedure is similar to bone grafting, but it is used to reshape the jawbone ridge to create a more ideal foundation for the implant.
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Guided bone regeneration: This procedure uses a special membrane to encourage bone growth in areas where it is needed for implant placement.
Conclusion
While dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth, it is important to be aware that you might need some preparatory procedures beforehand. These procedures can help to ensure the success of your implant treatment and give you a smile that looks and feels great. If you are considering dental implants, be sure to talk to your dentist about whether you need any of these preparatory procedures.
Talk to one of our caring patient coordinators today to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Frank Sioda 18676 Willamette Dr. Suite 202 West Linn, OR 97068-1718
Dental Blog | Dentist West Linn | ZenTech Dentistry Dr. Frank Sioda of ZenTech Dentistry has created this informative blog to help educate the community about a variety of dental topics. Learn more here. ZenTech Dentistry - Frank K. Sioda, DMD, PC, 18676 Willamette Dr., Suite 202, West Linn, OR 97068-1718 ^ (503) 765-9699 ^ zentechdentistry.com ^ 6/9/2025 ^ Related Terms: dentist West Linn ^
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Missing teeth can be a real pain, both literally and figuratively. They can affect your ability to chew, speak, and even smile with confidence. Fortunately, dental implants offer a permanent and natural-looking solution to missing teeth. However, before you can get dental implants, you might need some preparatory procedures to ensure the best possible outcome.