Enhancing Candidacy for Dental Implants
Dental implants have revolutionized oral surgery, providing a durable and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. While the primary implant procedure is well-known, supplemental procedures play a crucial role in enhancing the success and aesthetics of dental implants.
The skilled team at Lehigh Valley Oral Surgery & Implant Center offers various supplemental procedures that can optimize your dental implant experience, ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile. Learn why Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry is considered one of the best oral surgeons in Lehigh Valley, PA.
What Are Supplemental Procedures?
Supplemental procedures encompass a range of specialized treatments designed to enhance and optimize the success of dental implantation. These procedures and guided aftercare tips address oral health challenges and increase patients’ candidacy for dental implants.
When Are Supplemental Procedures Necessary?
Some common scenarios that may necessitate supplemental procedures include:
- Inadequate Bone Density: When the jawbone lacks the necessary density or volume to support an implant, a bone grafting procedure might be needed. This involves adding bone material to the deficient area, usually transplanted from another part of the body, allowing for proper implant integration.
- Bone Resorption: Over time, the jawbone can experience resorption (loss of bone mass), which can compromise the stability of implants. Bone grafting or augmentation procedures can help restore the bone’s integrity.
- Sinus Proximity: In the upper back jaw, the sinus cavity can impede implant placement due to its proximity. A sinus lift procedure can lift the sinus membrane and create space for implant placement.
- Gum or Soft Tissue Issues: Insufficient gum tissue or uneven soft tissue levels can affect the aesthetics of the implant area. Soft tissue grafting can address these concerns and provide a more natural appearance.
- Jaw Ridge Irregularities: If the jaw ridge is too narrow, too wide, or uneven, ridge augmentation procedures can reshape and prepare the ridge for implant placement.
- Failed Previous Implant: If a previous dental implant has failed due to poor integration or complications, supplemental procedures might be necessary to correct the issue before a new implant can be placed.
Benefits of Supplemental Procedures
Some benefits of supplemental dental implant procedures include:
- Improved Implant Success: Supplemental procedures enhance the chances of successful implant integration by providing a solid and supportive foundation for the implant.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: These procedures can improve the appearance of the implant site, ensuring a more natural and pleasing outcome.
- Functional Restoration: Supplemental procedures help restore proper oral function, including chewing and speaking, which may be compromised due to missing teeth.
Our Supplemental Procedure Treatments
Bone Grafting: Building a Solid Foundation
In instances where a patient’s jawbone lacks sufficient density or volume, bone grafting becomes necessary. This procedure involves the addition of bone material, often sourced from the patient’s own body or a donor to the implant site. The graft material serves as a scaffold, promoting the growth of new bone tissue. Over time, this newly generated bone integrates with the graft material, creating a solid and stable base for the dental implant.
Sinus Lift: Elevating Possibilities
When the upper jaw lacks the necessary bone structure to accommodate a dental implant, a sinus lift becomes a valuable option. During this procedure, the sinus membrane is gently lifted, and bone graft material is added beneath it. This creates additional space and support for the implant. As the bone graft integrates and matures, it elevates the sinus floor and provides a stable foundation for the implant. Sinus lifts not only enable successful implant placement but also contribute to a more harmonious facial appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are supplemental procedures always necessary for dental implants?
Not all dental implant procedures require supplemental procedures, but they might be necessary in certain cases to ensure a successful implant placement. Supplemental procedures like bone grafting or sinus lifts are typically performed when the patient’s jawbone is not sufficient in quality or quantity to support the implant.
How long does it take to recover from a sinus lift?
The recovery time for a sinus lift procedure can vary from person to person but may take one to two weeks for the initial healing process. Full integration of the bone graft and complete recovery can take several months. Your oral surgeon will provide you with specific guidelines based on your case.
Is bone grafting a painful procedure?
Bone grafting procedures can cause discomfort or mild pain but are usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications. The level of discomfort can vary depending on the extent of the grafting and individual pain tolerance. Your oral surgeon will provide you with appropriate pain management instructions.
Does dental insurance cover supplemental procedures for dental implants?
Dental insurance coverage for supplemental procedures related to dental implants can vary widely depending on the specific insurance plan. Some plans may cover a portion of the cost, while others may not cover these procedures at all. Check with your dental insurance provider beforehand to understand what’s covered under your plan and what potential costs you may need to bear.
Take the First Step On Your Journey to a Restored Smile
Supplemental procedures for dental implants are integral for ensuring the success and longevity of your implant-supported smile. If you’re considering dental implants, consult a qualified oral surgeon like Dr. Chaudhry to determine which supplemental procedures may benefit your unique needs. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy the benefits of a stunning smile that lasts a lifetime.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Chaudhry and learn more about supplemental procedures, call our Bethlehem or Stroudsburg office at (484) 821-1357. Thanks to our two convenient locations, we also welcome patients from surrounding areas such as Fullerton and other areas in Monroe and Northampton County, PA.
EXCELLENT
289 reviews on
Gabriel Perez
November 12, 2021.
if i could give 10 stars i would . this place eased the pain i carried over 2-3 years at first i was skeptical because my past experiences, however they treated me good with respect.they really took care of me never have i seen a place so courteous. i think everyone in pain should go to this place it was the best for me . i had 7 extractions and they tookme in and i was seen in less than 2 weeks and the teeth were removed in about 20 minutes. they worked at god speed lol. great place. Thank you so much for taking care of me .
Nicole Perez
November 12, 2021.
This place is amazing. The staff are wonderful and very polite. My husband was in pain for years. We went to 2 different oral surgeons and for months they wasted our time. When I called Lehigh valley oral surgery, they listened and made appointments very fast. They even do (out of Network) referrals for insurance. Please if you are in pain and need to be seen this is the place for you. Thank you guys so much for everything you did for my husband.
Lauren O'Brian
November 11, 2021.
Very grateful that I was able to have my dental implant done with Dr. Chaudhry. He and his staff were professional and kind. They were sensitive to my concerns, and answered all of my questions thoroughly. Nicole, the implant coordinator, was especially supportive throughout the process. Thank you for making this experience as pleasant as possible.
Mateopuzzler
October 13, 2021.
Had an issue with my insurance didn't realize they type that I had so the information didn't go through, still saw me they day of my extraction and helped me square away my insurance. They are super friendly nice, and seem to be on top of their game. This place is highly recommended for a reason, this is the place to go.
Dori
October 12, 2021.
My son had 4 wisdom teeth removed. Initially the appointment was for March of 2020. Then the pandemic hit. They refunded my partial payment quickly. Fast forward to September of 2021. Rescheduling was no problem. From the front desk to the doctor and assistants, the staff was friendly and professional. They took new x-rays and found that the procedure was going to be less money! Everything went well. His recovery has been good. He still has some tenderness 3 weeks out. The only complaint I would mention is that we never received a call to check on his recovery. That would have been very nice.
Tami Giglio
September 30, 2021.
This place is great if you need oral surgery. Everyone is so nice and professional. And the facility is very clean. I highly recommend!!
Kristen VanFleet
September 24, 2021.
Had to have an emergency extraction. I was in so much pain and they were able to see me the very next day. The office staff starting with the receptionist was very pleasant courteous and professional. The hygienist was very kind and made sure I was comfortable. Dr Kim was excellent. I was given IV sedation and I’m not sure how I will be able to go back to having dental work without it because it made everything much better. They even sent me home with an ice pack which may seem like a small detail but it was a big help once anesthesia wore off. Choose this practice. You won’t regret it.
April S
September 11, 2021.
I went here a few days ago to get a molar pulled that was chipped and infected. I was completely terrified, so Dr. Farag brought someone in to hold my hand during the numbing shots, and her assistant offered to hold my other hand. She applied plenty of numbing gel, and only two out of all of the injections were painful because she had to inject the gum near the tooth of course, whereas the other shots were just more uncomfortable than anything. The nurses and assistants that held my hand were very sweet, encouraging, and made me chuckle a few times. Dr. Farag talked me through the whole procedure and gave me a break when I needed one. I'll be honest and say it wasn't completely painless, but I don't blame Dr. Farag whatsoever. She tried her best to numb me up, but the tooth was infected and probably couldn't be numbed entirely. Regardless, any pain I felt was probably on a scale of about 3-4, and only happened at certain times during the procedure; it wasn't constant. The pain from the infection felt way worse than anything I felt that day in that chair.
It was over pretty quickly. Her assistant stayed with me afterwards and talked with me until I was calm, since I found myself in a fit of tears after the tooth was pulled. I wasn't in pain afterwards, just really relieved, I think. Dr. Farag seemed to feel genuinely bad at how upset I was, and suggested that I be sedated next time or given anti-anxiety medication if and when I come back to get anything done. She's right, as I would say my own fear was probably the worst part of the experience.
I'm 3 days post-extraction and I feel fine. The bleeding stopped within a few hours when I got home, and the wound seems to be healing well. There is some soreness, a very minimal amount of swelling, and occasional twinges of pain in the area, but that's it.
I would recommended coming here if you need work done. Everyone here is very kind, caring and compassionate. They also honored the fact that I had panoramic x-rays prior, whereas some places will charge you for an x-ray even if you've already had one done.