928-237-9064
Restore Your Smile at Larson Dental
Dental implants are an excellent way to restore your smile. Versatile, permanent, and natural-looking, this classic restorative dentistry procedure can transform lives.
But did you know that not every patient is immediately ready for dental implant treatment? Several oral health issues can prevent your implants from successfully healing, and you may need to have some supplemental procedures done to ensure you’re an ideal candidate. Here at Larson Dental, our trusted implant dentists help patients in Prescott Valley, Flagstaff, Sedona, Chino Valley, and the surrounding areas with several supplemental treatments that address their dental issues.
Do You Need Supplemental Treatments?
The reason dental implants are capable of providing such excellent results is because of a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration is a direct structural and functional connection between the living bone and the surface of the dental implant. This process is critical for implant stability and imperative for the success of the entire procedure.
For osseointegration to be successful, your jawbone must be strong enough to support dental implants. Therefore, when our Prescott Valley dentists examine your mouth at your dental implant consultation, they may recommend a supplemental procedure to help you prepare.
Common Dental Implants Supplemental Procedures
Depending on the condition of your oral health, your dentist may recommend anything from deep cleaning to other dental treatments to prepare for dental implants. The most common supplemental treatments recommended are:
Bone Regeneration
One of the biggest side effects of tooth loss is bone resorption. When teeth are missing or the roots die, the bone loses this important stimulation and begins to shrink. Bone resorption also puts neighboring teeth at risk. If your jawbone has deteriorated to the point where it can no longer support dental implants, you may need a regeneration treatment before you can move forward with the implant procedure.
Bone grafting is one of the most common solutions for reversing the damage caused by bone loss. During this procedure, our dentists place supplemental bone tissue in the deficient area. Recovery is crucial, as this is where the jawbone heals around the newly grafted tissue and prepares it for dental implant placement.
Gum Disease Treatment
While dental implants are an excellent option for restoring the smile after gum disease, patients will first need to undergo treatment for gum disease. Much like the jawbone, your gums can deteriorate in a process referred to as gum recession. Treatment for gum disease can consist of a combination of bone grafting, soft tissue augmentation, and antibiotic treatment.
After your dental implant consultation, our dental team will walk you through the process, identify whether you need any supplemental procedures, and create the perfect treatment plan for your smile.
Get the Smile of Your Dream at Larson Dental
Our goal at Larson Dental is to help each of our patients achieve the smile of their dreams. If you have one or more missing teeth, dental implants can help restore your smile and your confidence. Call our office today at (928) 237-9064 or fill out a contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. We look forward to working with you!
CALL NOW
928-237-9064
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a supplemental procedure necessary?
Will insurance pay for my supplemental procedure?
Can gum disease be cured?
When is a supplemental procedure necessary?
A supplemental procedure is used to prepare the teeth, gums, and jawbone for dental implant placement to ensure quality results. Patients who suffer from tooth loss, gum disease, or have worn long-term dentures typically don’t have enough bone density to support an implant — making them an ideal candidate for a supplemental procedure.
Will insurance pay for my supplemental procedure?
Many insurance companies will cover a portion of the cost of supplemental procedures, but some don’t cover preexisting conditions. We strongly recommend that you contact your insurance provider to get a detailed understanding of your coverage. If you’d like, a member of our staff can contact them for you to ensure you receive the maximum benefits possible.
Can gum disease be cured?
Most early-stage cases of gum disease can be cured with professional treatment. The first stage, gingivitis, can even be reversed through better oral hygiene practices.
With the help of Dr. Larson, you may have a chance to cure your mild or advanced gum disease. Once your treatment is done, you need to follow oral health instructions from Dr. Larson so you can fully recover and help ensure your gum disease doesn’t return. If you believe you’re suffering from gum disease, call our Prescott Valley office at (928) 237-9064 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Larson.