Tooth extraction is not something that most people look forward to; it’s an unpleasant and sometimes painful experience. When a tooth is removed, it leaves a hole in your jawbone called a socket. While this will eventually heal on its own, it takes time and there is usually some kind of recession or loss of the surrounding bone. Socket preservation is an innovative surgical procedure that helps preserve the integrity of the socket immediately after tooth removal.
What is Socket Preservation?
The socket preservation procedure involves filling the empty tooth socket with bone graft material, which helps stimulate new bone growth and prevent loss of the existing bone structure. This added support helps preserve natural facial features, such as the cheeks while maintaining the shape and strength of your jaw. Socket preservation is a relatively simple procedure that happens right after tooth extraction. It usually takes just a few minutes to complete, although the amount of time can vary depending on the patient’s individual needs.
Bone Resorption
When you lose a tooth, the bone used to support the tooth no longer serves a purpose. Over time, the body begins to degrade this unused bone in a process called resorption. Your body then uses the calcium and other minerals from the bone for other purposes, leading to a noticeable reduction in jawbone density. Socket preservation helps protect against this resorption by adding additional stability to the jawbone while it heals.
Benefits of Socket Preservation
While there are many reasons why someone might opt for socket preservation, some of the key benefits include the following:
- Reduced facial collapse – By preserving the socket and preventing shrinkage of surrounding bone, socket preservation can reduce the risk of facial collapse and help maintain the integrity of your facial features.
- Reduce bone resorption – The primary benefit of socket preservation is that it helps to reduce or even prevent the bone recession associated with tooth loss or extraction.
- Adequate bone for future procedures – Socket preservation can also make the process of getting dental implants in the future easier and more successful, as it ensures there is adequate bone for implant placement.
- Helps prevent dry socket – Dry socket is a painful condition that can occur after tooth extraction and is caused by the loss of a blood clot. Socket preservation helps reduce the risk of dry socket by filling the socket with bone graft material, and facilitates healing.
The Procedure
Socket preservation is usually a straightforward process that takes only a few minutes. The dentist will begin by making sure the socket is clean and free of debris, then fill it with bone graft material. This material can be synthetic material or human bone harvested from another part of your body, such as your hip, and can come in the form of granules or chips. The material is inserted into the socket and covered with a collagen membrane and stitches to enhance bone growth.
Socket preservation is usually done in conjunction with other dental procedures, such as implants or dentures, but it can also be done as a standalone procedure. It’s important to note that while socket preservation has many potential benefits, the results will vary from person to person.
Are There Any Risks?
The risks associated with socket preservation are minimal. The most common side effects include swelling, bruising, and pain. However, these symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications or ice packs and should subside within a few days.
Summary
- Socket preservation is an innovative surgical procedure that helps preserve the integrity of the socket immediately after tooth removal.
- The socket preservation procedure involves filling the empty tooth socket with bone graft material, which helps stimulate new bone growth and prevent loss of the existing bone structure.
- Benefits of socket preservation include:
- Reduced facial collapse
- Reduce bone resorption
- Adequate bone for future procedures
- Helps prevent dry socket
The Best Oral Surgeons In Deer Park
At Oral Facial and Implant Specialists, we specialize in socket preservation and many other restorative dental treatments. Our experienced oral surgeons will work closely with you to ensure your procedure is successful. If you have any questions about socket preservation or dental implants, please contact us today for more information.
We look forward to helping you with your beautiful Smile!
If you are searching for socket preservation in Deer Park or Barrington, oral surgeon Deer Park, oral surgeon near me, or dental implants Deer Park, we can help. Call us at (847) 381-0106 or complete the online booking form to schedule an appointment.
Call UsFrequently Asked Questions
Everyone’s situation is different. An oral surgeon will be able to make a determination as to whether or not the patient has enough bone for an implant without the need for socket preservation. However, in cases where there is already evidence of bone loss, socket preservation is usually recommended to ensure that there is adequate support when placing future implants.
No, socket preservation is not painful. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and any discomfort associated with the procedure is minimal. In fact, most people do not experience any discomfort during the procedure and are able to return to their normal activities within a couple of days.
It typically takes 2 weeks for the soft tissue to heal completely, but for the bone 3-4 months. It is important to stay away from crunchy, hard, or sticky foods during this time and to practice good oral hygiene habits including brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a saltwater solution.
After the procedure, your surgeon may ask you to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using straws for at least 48 hours. They may also ask you to eat soft foods for the first few days, and avoid strenuous activities such as exercise or bending over.
Your oral surgeon will typically use x-rays to determine if the socket has healed properly. Your surgeon may also check for signs of infection and bleeding, as well as any changes in the shape or depth of the socket.
