When a tooth is lost or extracted, the bone tissue responsible for holding that tooth in place does not simply wait until a replacement is provided. In fact, the bone begins to break down and travel to other parts of the body rather quickly, making it more difficult to provide a replacement such as dental implants. If you’re looking for a solution that keeps your bone tissue intact and viable for dental implants, it’s important that you learn about socket preservation from a periodontist in Frisco.
Next Steps Immediately Following a Tooth Extraction
When a tooth is removed, the main priority is making sure that you do not develop dry socket during your healing period. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that covers the healing area is dislodged too early. When the clot becomes dislodged, it essentially exposes the nerve and causes severe discomfort. Keep in mind that this clot is an important part of protecting your alveolar ridge. This strip of bone is responsible for surrounding the roots of your teeth as well as keeping them in place.
If this ridge is deformed or compromised in any way, it can lead to complications for the implantation process. It could mean, for example, that your jawbone does not have enough density to support a future dental implant. This is where socket preservation comes into play.
How Does Socket Preservation Work?
Tooth roots are incredibly important because they actively stimulate the jawbone, keeping it healthy and allowing it to maintain its current shape. When a tooth is lost, the bone tissue in that area of the mouth is at risk of breaking down. The width of the jawbone is actually what is at stake here specifically, and your neighboring teeth will only begin to shift out of place as a result.
To protect your jaw’s bone tissue as well as avoid the need for a more extensive bone graft, socket preservation can be performed. This treatment involves placing donated bone material on top of the socket and covering it with a collagen membrane before closing it with a series of sutures. Not only will this make it easier to place a dental implant moving forward, but it will actually improve the appearance of your jaw and remaining teeth as well.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
Once you’ve completed socket preservation treatment, you can continue aftercare of your tooth extraction as planned. While the treatment itself might sound complicated, it’s quite straightforward once you’ve had it done. If you plan on getting a dental implant placed, make sure to tell your doctor so they can properly plan ahead. While socket preservation is not always needed for a dental implant treatment to be successful, it’s important that your doctor is informed on your plans for how you intend to replace your tooth. The sooner you maintain your jaw’s bone tissue, the better off you’ll be.
Have additional questions about socket preservation? Need advice from a periodontist on treatment? Schedule a consultation with them today!
About the Author
Dr. Zachary A. Carnow is a board-certified periodontist with experience in performing many complex restorative treatments, including socket preservation to protect bone tissue. His expertise in implant surgery is sure to give you confidence about your next dental implant treatment, so don’t hesitate to give him a call today. You can contact him through his website.