Dental Extractions and Socket Preservation

Your dentist will be committed to doing everything that they can to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. Nevertheless, serious dental problems sometimes mean that a tooth falls out of its own accord, or that extraction really is the only option and the best way to protect the rest of your healthy teeth and/or mouth.

Dental Extraction

Some of the most common reasons for a dental extraction include:

• Severe breakage to the point where there isn’t enough tooth structure to restore the natural tooth

• The root canal is infected, but root canal treatment has failed to be successful

• Decay is too extensive to be able to save the tooth

• The tooth has died

Dental extractions are usually carried out under local anesthetic, but it may be possible for you to have sedation if you are particularly anxious or nervous about the procedure. Some patients who have physical or cognitive disabilities and may find remaining still for the treatment may also be recommended to be sedated.

After you have had your tooth extracted, you’ll be left with an empty socket where the tooth used to be. This is essentially a small indentation in the jaw. Unless the socket is kept stimulated, the bone that used to support the tooth will start to deteriorate. This involves resorption that causes it to become thin and shallow. Unfortunately, this can cause issues when it comes to replacing the missing tooth with a solution such as a partial denture, bridge, or dental implant. To help counteract this, your dentist may recommend a treatment known as socket preservation, which usually takes place immediately following your extraction.

What is socket preservation?

Socket preservation is a straightforward dental procedure that aims to preserve the depth and strength of the bone so that the patient is more likely to be able to successfully receive a restoration in the future. The process is very simple. Once the tooth has been removed, a bone graft material is inserted inside the socket. This matrix is an artificial, man-made material that will harden over time and form part of the natural jawbone structure. This will ensure that there is enough strength and thickness to support your chosen restoration when you are ready to receive it.

After the bone grafting matrix has been placed, a collagen membrane will be placed over the top and secured in place using sutures. This will help to encourage prompt healing of the gum tissue so that you can recover more quickly.

What are the advantages of socket preservation?

There are a variety of benefits associated with socket preservation. These include:

• Preservation of the facial structure, helping you to maintain your appearance and avoid shrinkage

• Reduced risk of a dental implant being rejected

• Less need for future bone grafts to facilitate a dental implant

• Preservation of bone enables dentures to fit better for longer

• Save 6 months of healing time by having socket preservation immediately after extraction, rather than after the socket has shrunk

• Enable faster placement of dental implants

• Easier restoration of your smile and enhancement of your natural features

If you have questions about dental extractions and socket preservation, please contact our knowledgeable dental team at Obeng Family Dental today by calling (386) 761-9440.