Dental implants are one of the most successful missing tooth replacements available. Over 90% of patients who go into a dental implant procedure have a stable, healthy, fuller smile following their treatment. However, successful treatment depends on a strong and healthy jawbone. If gum disease or deterioration has weakened the jawbone, the dental implants may fail and fall out. Here at DICE Dental, we strive to help our patients achieve a successful treatment. We offer two supplemental procedures for dental implants: bone grafts and sinus lifts.
Bone Grafts
What is a Bone Graft?
A bone graft strengthens your jawbone and provides a secure foundation for your dental implant, ensuring there is ample bone density for your implant.
During this supplemental procedure, a piece of bone is surgically grafted (or transplanted) to your existing jawbone. This bone particle may come from a different part of your jaw or another part of your body, like your hip. The new bone tissue will generate over the next several months as your jawbone gradually rebuilds.
Who is a Candidate for a Bone Graft?
Who is a candidate for a bone graft procedure? Anyone who may have had bone loss due to gum disease is a perfect candidate. If you’ve worn long-term dentures, you may also be a good candidate because the jawbone has deteriorated due to a lack of stimulation.
Bone grafts are one of the most successful supplemental procedures for dental implants. Over 90% of patients experience success.
How to Help Your Bone Graft Heal
Immediately following your surgery, you should avoid:
- Hot or cold liquids
- Using straws
- Crunchy or hard foods
Instead, stick to soft foods like yogurt and soup to avoid irritating your surgery site.
Sinus Lifts
What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is an appropriate supplemental treatment when a patient’s upper jaw lacks sufficient jawbone strength. During this procedure, the sinus floor is lifted to create room for bone graft particles. These particles stimulate new bone growth and provide additional density.
Who is a Candidate for a Sinus Lift?
Those who lack bone density, are missing back teeth or molars, or whose sinus may be too close to the upper jawbone are ideal candidates for a sinus lift.
Patients should not feel severe pain but may notice slight discomfort after a sinus lift. Following a sinus lift, you’ll receive medication to prevent sinus infections and keep you from blowing your nose, which could impact the bone graft particles.
Supplemental Procedures for Dental Implants at DICE Dental
At DICE Dental, we make a comfortable, successful dental implant treatment our number one priority. We offer both bone grafts and sinus lifts to improve your probability of success. A bone graft at the time of implant placement costs only $350. A sinus lift costs $500. These low prices are extended to all patients, whether or not they have dental insurance.
If you’ve been dreaming of a happier, healthier smile, it’s time to make that dream a reality. With our supplemental procedures for dental implants, we can make nearly every patient a candidate for dental implants. You can request a free consultation in Springfield, Southampton, or Bethlehem Township to learn more.