There are many reasons people need a dental implant. Sometimes a person cracks or breaks a tooth. Sometimes the tooth is so decayed that removal is the best solution followed by an implant. Unfortunately, not all jawbones are healthy enough for an implant. When that happens, there are a few things the doctor can do to prepare your mouth to receive the implant.
Ridge Expansion
Not all jawbones are the same width or length. Implant Dentistry Journal shows that ridge expansion for narrow jaws is possible. When the jaw doesn’t have enough width, it cannot support an implant. The practitioner adds a space or small ridge on the top of the bone to support the new tooth using bone graft material.
Bone Augmentation
The bone needs to be strong enough to support the implant. Bone grafts along with growth factors and bone additives may be necessary to strengthen the existing bone. This process may take a few months to complete if the patient is waiting for the bone to be fortified through additives and growth factors. However, the results are often the best.
Sinus Lift
For those missing upper back teeth, the results can cause bone deterioration beneath the sinuses. Bone can be added to the sinus area to replace that which is missing through sinus elevation or sinus augmentation.
Site Preparation
In order to prepare your mouth for the implant, the doctor may perform a variety of imaging to assess the state of your jawbone and surrounding tissues. 3D digital imaging works with the software many practitioners use to plan surgical implants. They can figure out the best place to put the implant and what exactly needs to be done to prepare the site. They want to work with your mouth not only to save time and money but also to shorten the time it takes you to recover after the procedure.