Preparing You for Implant Placement
Dental implants are an effective and permanent solution to tooth loss. However, some patients may be deemed ineligible for implants. In the past, patients who suffer from conditions such as gum disease or insufficient jawbone density couldn’t qualify for the implant procedure.
At Lehigh Valley Oral Surgery & Implant Center, we want all patients to have the chance to receive implants. That’s why Dr. Chaudhry is proud to offer supplemental procedures to help improve patients’ candidacy for implants.
When Are Supplemental Procedures Necessary?
In some cases, patients need to address underlying oral health issues before they can receive dental implants. In particular, insufficient bone density and gum recession are two conditions that greatly reduce the success rate of implants.
- Insufficient Bone Density: Dental implants are secured directly into the jawbone, so a patient’s jawbone must have the proper density to support the implants.
- Gum Disease: This condition can lead to several oral health problems that could result in a failed implant treatment, such as gum recession and infection.
Supplemental Procedures for Dental Implants
Bone Grafting
For patients with insufficient jawbone density, bone grafting can help regenerate lost bone mass. During this procedure, Dr. Chaudhry will attach a small piece of tissue to the area of your jawbone where the implant will be placed. This process takes advantage of your jawbone’s ability to heal itself naturally, as the donor tissue will fuse with your jaw to rehabilitate it to full strength.
The healing period for this procedure typically lasts several months, though it depends on a patient’s oral health. Dr. Chaudhry will provide you with a more accurate recovery time once he finishes the procedure. After you’ve healed, Dr. Chaudhry will determine if you’re a candidate for implants.
Soft Tissue Augmentation
Soft tissue augmentation is similar to bone grafting and works to address the issue of gum recession. For this procedure, the gum tissue is grafted to the receded areas of your gums. The new tissue integrates seamlessly with your remaining tissue, restoring health and vitality to your smile.
Gum recession typically occurs as a result of gum disease, a serious oral health condition that disqualifies many patients from receiving implants. It’s best to seek treatment for any underlying oral health issues before attempting to receive dental implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive dental implants without undergoing a supplemental procedure?
If you lack sufficient jawbone density or healthy gums, it’s unlikely that Dr. Chaudhry will approve you for dental implants. Without a supplemental procedure to correct these issues, you face a significantly higher risk of implant failure, infection, and possibly even tooth loss. Supplemental procedures are safe, effective treatments that can help boost your implant candidacy and support your oral health.
Will insurance cover a supplemental procedure?
We suggest contacting your dental insurance provider beforehand to learn what your plan will cover. For your convenience, a knowledgeable member of our team can contact them for you to ensure you receive the maximum benefits possible.
You can also visit our financing page to learn more about your payment options and discover if CareCredit can help provide financial assistance. This third-party financing company is designed to help patients cover their treatment costs and offer them plans that fit their budgets. Applying online is quick and easy, and you may qualify for assistance regardless of your insurance status.
Is getting a bone graft painful?
Before beginning a bone graft, Dr. Chaudhry will administer a local anesthetic or sedation to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. He’ll discuss your preference with you at your initial consultation.
You may experience mild discomfort once the numbness fades, but this can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications. However, if the pain persists after a few days, call our Bethlehem or Stroudsburg office at (484) 821-1357 immediately. Dr. Chaudhry will assess your situation and relieve you of any painful symptoms.
Schedule Your Preliminary Procedure
Don’t let underlying oral health problems stop you from receiving dental implants. Supplemental procedures may be able to help improve your candidacy. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Chaudhry, call our Bethlehem or Stroudsburg office at (484) 821-1357. You can also fill out a contact form and a team member will be with you shortly.
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.