What are Supplemental Procedures?
Supplemental procedures may be recommended by Dr. Stockdale if you’ve been missing teeth for a while. When you have natural teeth in your jaw, the daily strain of eating and speaking keeps your jawbone strong. Without teeth, the jawbone weakens and loses its shape.
Dental implants require a strong jaw and a healthy amount of bone to create a sturdy bond with. Increasing the amount of bone you have in your jaw can make your implant more likely to succeed.
Supplemental Procedure Processes
The supplemental procedure you receive depends on the location of the missing tooth, whether on the lower or upper jaw. You’ll either have a bone graft or a sinus lift. You don’t have to worry about pain or discomfort because you’ll be under general anesthesia for these procedures.
Bone Grafting
This procedure is performed when the tooth being replaced is on the lower jaw. When you don’t have enough bone material to support an implant, Dr. Stockdale can help you build more.
He’ll place a small amount of bone material in your jaw, which will stimulate your jawbone to produce more natural tissue. The process of building more bone can take a couple of months but after that, your implant can be placed.
Because this is surgery, you’ll be under general anesthesia so you won’t be conscious. But that means after your surgery, you’ll need someone to drive you home and ensure you’re alright.
Sinus Lift
If your missing tooth is on your upper jaw, a sinus lift may be performed. This procedure is very similar to a bone graft, as more bone material will be used to stimulate growth in your jaw.
As with a bone graft, you’ll be unconscious for your surgery due to the general anesthesia. You won’t be able to drive, so you’ll have to make sure to have someone with you who can take you home.
Preparing You for Dental Implants
A supplemental procedure is often a necessary step in making sure your dental implant will be completely secure. After you’ve recovered from your procedure, you’ll be able to continue with the dental implant process and Dr. Stockdale can place your fixture.
To learn more, contact our office by calling (909) 297-1921 and we can answer your questions. You can also fill out the convenient contact form below and we’ll get right back to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it painful to receive a bone graft or sinus lift?
To ensure that your experience is comfortable and painless, Dr. Stockdale will administer local anesthesia before your procedure. This will completely numb the area ensuring a pain-free procedure.
After your procedure, you may experience some discomfort and pain as the numbness fades away. This pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications and cold compresses. However, if medications like these present a health risk for you, Dr. Stockdale will discuss alternative pain management options.
How long after a bone augmentation procedure can I get my dental implants?
After your bone augmentation procedure, it can take two to three months to fully bond with your jawbone. This process must be allowed to complete naturally for an optimal bond with your implant. If your grafting needs are more minor, your jawbone may be strong enough for implants within four to six weeks.
We’ll never rush a procedure that puts your health at risk — it’s always preferable to place an implant that will bond safely and securely to last you for many years to come. Dr. Stockdale will let you know how long you can expect to wait for your graft to heal and strengthen your jawbone.
Are sinus lifts and bone grafting procedures safe?
The procedures we use to augment the bone density of your jaw are very safe. Modern technology has made the risk of infection or rejected graft extremely rare. Infrequently, the body may dissolve a bone graft faster than your existing bone can meld with it, in which case a second grafting procedure may be necessary.
The vast majority of bone grafts and sinus lifts are completed without issue and achieve the desired results for the patient. Since your safety is always our top priority, we’ll take every precaution during your bone augmentation treatment and discuss any concerns you might have before the procedure.
Will my dental insurance cover supplemental procedures?
Many insurance providers will cover a portion of your supplemental procedures. However, we recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand your coverage plan and get the most of your benefits. We also offer flexible financing options so you can get the care you need.