Supporting Implant Procedures

Implant Dentistry

Implant treatment can involve planning, surgical placement, restoration, and long-term maintenance. Depending on the complexity of your case, these phases may be completed by Dr. Asemota, another qualified dental specialist, or a coordinated team.

Not every patient requires bone grafting or another supporting procedure. Recommendations are made only after an examination, review of your health history, and appropriate dental imaging.

Sinus augmentation

The upper back jaw can have limited bone between the mouth and the maxillary sinus, particularly after tooth loss or bone deterioration. A sinus augmentation—also called a sinus lift—raises the sinus floor and places grafting material beneath it to help develop enough bone for an implant.

Depending on the available bone and implant stability, the implant may be placed during the same procedure or after the graft has healed. Healing commonly takes several months but varies considerably between patients.

Bone grafting

When the jaw does not have enough bone to support an implant, grafting may be used to increase its height, width, or overall volume.

Graft material may come from your own body, a human donor source, an animal-derived source, or a synthetic material. The appropriate material and technique depend on your anatomy, health, and treatment plan. If bone is collected from another area of your mouth, your provider will explain the additional procedure and recovery involved.

Implant-site development

After a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone may gradually change in shape and volume. Bone grafting performed at the time of extraction—often called socket preservation—or at a later appointment may help prepare the area for possible implant placement.

Grafting does not guarantee that an implant can ultimately be placed. The area must be evaluated again after healing.

3D treatment planning

Three-dimensional dental imaging and planning software may help the treatment team evaluate available bone and nearby anatomical structures, such as sinuses and nerves. It can also assist with planning an implant's proposed position and restoration.

Technology supports clinical planning but does not replace professional judgment or guarantee a particular outcome.

Implant maintenance

Implants do not develop cavities, but plaque and tartar can collect around implant restorations. Without appropriate care, the surrounding gums and bone can develop inflammation or peri-implant disease. Professional maintenance may include:

• Evaluating the gums and bone around the implant
• Checking the stability and condition of the restoration
• Using implant-compatible cleaning instruments
• Reviewing your home-care routine
• Taking appropriate follow-up X-rays when needed

The recommended maintenance schedule depends on your oral health, implant design, hygiene, history of gum disease, smoking status, and other risk factors.

Individualized care

Sinus augmentation, bone grafting, and implant placement are surgical procedures with potential risks and variable healing times. Your provider will explain the anticipated benefits, alternatives, healing process, costs, and possible complications before treatment.

If part of your care will be completed by another provider, we will coordinate the surgical and restorative phases with that office.