socket preservation happens under each tooth

When a tooth gets extracted, the jawbone begins to reshape within minutes. This is part of our body’s ability to naturally adapt to its environments. Obviously, this is problematic given that it reshapes your mouth. In order to counteract this natural occurrence, our surgeons use a technique called socket preservation. 

Socket Preservation Explained 

Following the extraction of a tooth from the jaw, the alveolar ridge- aka the strip of bone that covers the roots of your teeth- begins to dissolve. This is because your body can recognize that the tooth is gone. It starts to get rid of unnecessary tissues to conserve energy and blood supply. Because the alveolar ridge cannot be replaced without surgery, oral surgeons use this technique to preserve this ridge and surrounding bone tissue until the dental implants are inserted into the jawbone matrix. 

The Importance of Socket Preservation 

Although bone grafting is not new, socket preservation is relatively fresh. Mainstream dentists and oral surgeons found it unnecessary for years until evidence suggested the benefits of socket reduction. Multiple studies have indicated that socket preservation has allowed for less ridge resorption as opposed to no graft material being placed in the alveolar sockets.  

Failure to set the bone graft following an extraction can result in bone and soft tissue reduction, which compromises the functionality of your dental implants. We highly recommend working with an oral surgeon that considers socket preservation a routine part of the procedure. If this step is skipped, and a dental implant is not put in place immediately, your teeth will move unpredictably. As your jawbone begins to deteriorate, the mouth tissue surrounding it will be affected, causing teeth to shift and move with no clear direction.  

 

Contact Us Today 

If you feel that you may need a tooth extraction and are wondering about socket preservation, we will happily schedule an appointment and discuss next steps. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.