Tooth Extraction with Bone Graft (Ridge Preservation)
After a tooth is extracted, your body begins to remodel and repair itself. As a result, soft tissue and bone can be lost significantly, resulting in a poor bone foundation for future dental implant placement.
It may also become more expensive, invasive, and time-consuming to build the bone back up. Because gum tissue contours are supported by the underlying bone, loss of bone can lead to depressions or unevenness within the ridge.
Ridge preservation is a type of bone grafting procedure that rebuilds bone where an extraction has left an empty socket.
It is recommended to have a ridge preservation procedure performed at the time of an extraction to help preserve the bony support and ridge contour, especially if you are considering dental implants.
Benefits of ridge preservation include:
- Preserves bone tissue after the loss of a tooth
- Prevents the collapsing of the bone and soft tissue in the teeth sockets
- Minimally invasive with minimal discomfort
- Prepares the site for future placement of a dental implant
- Maintains the esthetics of the ridge, especially for the front of the mouth
- Preserves a natural looking smile
To determine whether ridge preservation is the right treatment for you, please call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kwok
Tooth Extraction with Bone Graft San Diego
What is Tooth Extraction with Bone Graft?
Tooth extraction with bone graft is a dental procedure that involves the removal of a tooth and the placement of a bone graft material in the socket left behind by the extracted tooth. The bone graft material helps to preserve the bone structure in the jaw and prevent the jaw from deteriorating.
Why is Tooth Extraction with Bone Graft Necessary?
Tooth extraction can be performed for a variety of reasons, including tooth decay, injury, infection, and for orthodontic treatment. Dr. Kwok will do his best to save your teeth if possible. The most common reason for the removal of a tooth is severe decay or breakage of a tooth that cannot be saved. However, teeth may also be removed because of:
- Severe tooth decay or infection
- Extra teeth that are blocking other teeth from growing in (supernumerary teeth)
- Severe gum disease
- Orthodontic treatment
- Non-restorable teeth
- Fractured teeth
- Cosmetic reasons
Regardless of the reasons that a tooth must be pulled, extractions are usually reserved only for cases in which no other treatment option will solve the problem. If a tooth is not removed in a timely manner, it can lead to infection, pain, and even bone loss in the jaw.
Additionally, tooth extraction with bone graft is often recommended in preparation for dental implant placement. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. In order for dental implants to be successful, there must be sufficient bone in the jaw to support the implant.
How is Tooth Extraction with Bone Graft Performed?
Tooth extraction with bone graft is typically performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth and surrounding bone. The tooth is then carefully removed from the socket, and any infected or damaged tissue is also removed.
Once the tooth has been extracted, the dentist will place a bone graft material into the socket left behind by the tooth. The bone graft material is typically made from either synthetic materials or from the patient’s own bone tissue. After the bone graft material has been placed, the dentist will close the incision with stitches and provide post-operative care instructions.
Recovery and Aftercare
Following tooth extraction with bone graft, patients may experience some discomfort and swelling in the affected area. Pain medication and ice packs can help to alleviate these symptoms. Patients should also avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, or consuming hard or crunchy foods for several days following the procedure.
Whether you require a tooth extraction due to severe damage or decay, or are preparing for dental implant placement, our dental surgeon Dr. Kwok at San Diego Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is here to provide comprehensive care and support throughout the process. To determine whether a tooth extraction is the right treatment for you, please call (619) 5430-905 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kwok
