Supplemental Procedures
Getting Ready for Your New Smile
In some cases, patients who are good candidates for dental implants need a little extra help to prepare for the implant process. That’s why Dr. Leitner offers supplemental procedures for our patients in Grand Haven, MI.
Treatments designed to increase the amount of bone in the patient’s jaw are common supplemental procedures for implant patients. A strong jawbone is essential for maintaining healthy dental implants.
If you’ve been living with missing teeth for a while, your jawbone may have become weakened over time. Bone preservation and sinus lifts enhance bone density, providing a secure foundation for dental implants.
- Bone Preservation: If you don’t have enough bone mass to support a dental implant, Dr. Leitner may elect to use bone preservation to correct the problem. The procedure consists of attaching a small piece of bone tissue to the empty socket, stimulating bone growth.
- Sinus Lift: A sinus lift is used to prepare patients for a dental implant in the upper jaw. During the procedure, Dr. Leitner raises the sinus floor to create space for the implant fixture. Then this space is filled with bone graft material to support the implant.
Mini dental implants are a treatment option that requires less bone mass to support them. They can eliminate the need for bone preservation and they’ll also reduce your recovery time.
Dr. Leitner Has a Solution for Your Smile
Natural-looking dental implants will make eating fun again. Dr. Leitner is an experienced implant dentist. He’ll find the best solution to restore your missing teeth.
To learn more about our dental implants, contact us at (616) 842-2850 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions. You can also use our easy contact form and we’ll get right back to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a supplemental procedure necessary?
A supplemental procedure is used to prepare the teeth, gums, and jawbone for 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.
Why might a sinus lift be needed?
Sinus augmentation, or a sinus lift, adds bone to the upper jaw where your molars are and in between your maxillary sinuses. There’s a number of reasons a sinus lift is needed, such as:
- Not enough bone density for support
- Missing back teeth or molars
- Bone deterioration caused by gum disease
- Maxillary sinus may be too close to the upper jaw
Can I still get dental implants without a supplemental procedure?
If you have insufficient bone dentistry, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to receive dental implants without a supplemental procedure. Dr. Leitner requires that patients undergo a supplemental procedure, like a sinus lift or bone preservation, to increase the amount of bone in your jaw for successful implant placement. Without it, you face a significantly higher risk of implant failure, infection, and possibly even tooth or bone loss.
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.