What’s the Importance of Socket Preservation After Tooth Extraction?

What is Socket Preservation in Dentistry?

Socket preservation is a procedure where dentists fill the empty space left after tooth extraction with bone or a synthetic material. This material encourages new bone growth right away.

When a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone may be damaged. The body responds by sending healing cells to the area to repair this damage. Adding bone graft material makes it even easier for new bone to form.

This type of oral surgery promotes healthy bone healing and prevents bone loss.

How Bone Grafting Helps After Tooth Extraction?

In a bone graft or socket preservation procedure, dentists add extra bone material to the empty space left after they pull a tooth. This extra bone can come from the patient’s own body, an animal source, or a synthetic material.

Benefits of Bone Grafting

Prevents Dry Socket

Socket preservation helps prevent a painful condition called dry socket by keeping the blood clot that protects the extraction site in place.

Maintains Tooth Position

It keeps your remaining teeth from shifting and moving out of place.

Prepares for Future Replacements

It creates a solid foundation for future dental implants or dentures.

Socket Preservation as Part of the Dental Implant Process

If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist about bone grafting at the same time as planning your extractions. This way, your dentist can include bone grafting in your treatment plan from the start.

Steps After Bone Grafting

Once your bone graft heals, you can move forward with the dental implant process, which involves several steps:

Implant Placement Surgery

The dental implant, a titanium post, is surgically placed into your jawbone.

Abutment Placement Surgery

A small connector, called an abutment, is attached to the implant to hold your new tooth.

Restoration Phase

Your dentist creates and attaches your custom-made artificial teeth to the abutments.

The entire implant process can take several months, but it’s usually more affordable than you might think. You don’t have to pay for everything upfront, making dental implants a great investment in your oral health and appearance.