Implant
Dentistry
Supplemental Treatments in Pembroke, ON
Explore Pre-Dental Implant Treatments at Parkview Dental
At Parkview Dental, we want all our patients to have the opportunity to receive dental implants. However, certain oral health issues can make treatment with dental implants complicated. Our supplemental treatments can increase your chances of successful treatment.
Dr. James Munro and our skilled dental team are dedicated to helping you improve your oral health. Read on to learn how supplemental treatments can help you on your journey to a healthy smile.
When are Supplemental Treatments Necessary?
In some cases, patients are ineligible for dental implants due to the condition of their smiles. Because implants are directly affixed to the jawbone, a patient must have healthy gums and proper jawbone density. These are necessary to avoid a failed treatment or other complications.
Dr. Munro will address any underlying oral health problems before performing an implant procedure, as issues such as periodontal disease could complicate the treatment. He’ll discuss these treatments with you during your initial consultation.
Bone Grafting
The most common reason why patients are denied dental implant placement is because of jawbone deterioration. The jawbone requires constant stimulation normally provided by healthy tooth roots. When a patient loses a tooth, the area of the jawbone that the tooth used to sit in no longer gets the necessary stimulation. As a result, part of the jawbone will begin to deteriorate.
This can affect more than just a patient’s ability to receive treatment with dental implants. Jawbone deterioration can also result in sunken cheeks and premature wrinkling around the mouth.
To combat jawbone deterioration, we can provide treatment using a procedure called bone grafting. This quick and painless procedure takes donated bone tissue and grafts it to the areas of the jawbone that have deteriorated. During the healing process, the patient’s jawbone will absorb this new tissue and use it to restore itself.
Gum Grafting
Gum recession is another common problem that can interfere with a patient’s implant candidacy. Receding gums can be caused by:
- Periodontal Disease: Also known as gum disease, this bacterial infection attacks and eats away at gum and jawbone tissue.
- Aggressive Tooth Brushing: Brushing your teeth too hard can irritate your gums. It may even damage them to the point where they recede away from the patient’s teeth.
- Genetics: The thickness of your gums is determined by genetics, and those born with thinner gums may experience gum recession.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Failing to practice good oral hygiene may result in dangerous conditions that eat away at oral structures.
Undergoing a procedure called soft tissue augmentation can reverse the effects of gum recession. This painless procedure takes donated gum tissue and grafts it to the weakened areas of the patient’s mouth. As the gums heal, this new tissue will be absorbed to restore density and strength to the patient’s gum structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is getting a bone graft painful?
Dr. Munro will administer anesthesia or sedation before your procedure so you won’t feel a thing during treatment. He’ll discuss your preference with you at your initial consultation.
You may experience some discomfort as the graft heals. This can be managed by applying a cold compress and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
If the discomfort persists past a day or evolves into severe pain, this may be a sign of a complication. Contact our Pembroke office immediately at (613) 735-2336 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Munro will assess your situation and relieve you of your pain.
How do I know if I need a supplemental procedure?
The only way to find out if you qualify for dental implants is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Munro at our Pembroke office. During this visit, he’ll evaluate your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine if you’re a candidate for a dental implant procedure.
If you suffer from jawbone deterioration or gum recession, he’ll likely recommend a supplemental procedure to prepare you for implant surgery. Any supplemental treatments will be discussed with you well in advance and factored into your treatment plan from the beginning.
Will insurance cover my supplemental procedure?
We recommend contacting your dental insurance provider beforehand to learn if your plan will cover the treatment cost. You can visit our financing page for more information about our affordable payment options.
We also suggest applying for CareCredit, a third-party financing company that specializes in helping patients pay for their treatments. Applying online is quick and easy, and you may be eligible for assistance regardless of your insurance status.
How long does it take to recover from a bone or gum graft?
The healing time for these procedures can range from two weeks to two months depending on certain factors. You’ll need to wait for your gums or jawbone to completely heal before receiving dental implants. Dr. Munro will provide you with a treatment timeline at your consultation.
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Munro
Are you interested in treatment with dental implants, but worry that jawbone deterioration or gum recession may interfere? You may be a candidate for supplemental treatments like bone grafting and soft tissue augmentation. For a consultation with Dr. Munro, schedule an appointment at our Pembroke office by contacting us at (613) 735-2336.
You can also fill out a contact form and a team member will get back to you shortly. We look forward to seeing you in the office!