Dental implants are among the most popular replacement teeth options for several reasons. For one, they’re highly biocompatible and can be ideal solutions for most tooth loss patients. For another, dental implants are the only way for you to replace your lost teeth roots and create a comparable support system for your replacement teeth. However, because of the intricate way in which dental implants interact with your oral structures, their success relies on ensuring that your oral health is otherwise in good shape. At our Newhall, CA, dental office, we can perform a thorough examination to determine if you may need one or more prerequisite procedures before receiving your custom, dental implant-supported prosthesis.

To treat your gum disease

If gum disease is the reason why you’ve lost teeth, then the condition can continue posing a threat to your oral health if you don’t address it. This can increase your risks of losing more teeth, as well as the erosion of your gums and jawbone that are meant to support your dental implants. Therefore, before your implant posts can be placed, we may recommend personalized periodontal treatment to treat and manage your gum disease first. Depending on the extent of your periodontal disease, that might also include grafting your jawbone to strengthen it for the dental implant posts.

To graft your jawbone

Your jawbone is the foundation that holds your teeth securely in place by their roots. Every root is situated within its own socket. When severe gum disease or recent tooth loss causes the jawbone to erode, then nearby sockets can lose their ability to support your teeth roots. Jawbone grafting is the process of surgically grafting donor bone tissue to the eroded areas of your jawbone. This bolsters the strength and integrity of your jawbone by restoring its mass and density, reestablishing its ability to fully support your remaining teeth and future dental implant posts.

To straighten crooked teeth

The loss of one or more teeth can also affect the healthy, natural teeth that you still retain. The change in your bite balance can force them out of alignment, which can make replacing your lost teeth more challenging. To improve the results of your smile restoration, you may benefit from orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign® aligners, to straighten your bite’s alignment and make room for your implant-supported prosthesis. This will also improve your overall bite function, which will further ensure the long-term success of your dental implants.

Prepare properly for implant placement

Dental implants can give your smile new life after tooth loss, but you may have to address one or more other oral health issues before you can receive them. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Newhall Dental Arts in Newhall, CA, today at (661) 259-7760.