Socket preservation grafting serves an important role in dentistry. After teeth are extracted, dentists often perform a socket preservation graft to prevent issues with the surrounding teeth and jawbone. Understanding what socket preservation grafting is can help you know why your dentist may recommend it.
There are different reasons why a socket preservation grafting may be necessary, but in most cases, it fills the cavity or socket that remains after a tooth is extracted. The following is a review of socket preservation grafting, including how it is defined, how the treatment process works, when treatment is necessary, and risks that may be involved with undergoing this procedure.
Socket preservation grafting is designed to fill the cavity that remains once a tooth is extracted. This can prevent the jawbone from deteriorating and the gums from receding. Without a socket preservation graft, surrounding teeth are more likely to shift as a result of the tooth extraction. It is also a necessary procedure for patients who plan to replace the tooth with a dental implant unless the implant is placed soon after the extraction takes place.
Socket preservation is performed by a general dentist, oral surgeon, or another dental professional who is trained in grafting procedures. It is typically performed after tooth extraction. During the procedure, the gums are pulled back to access the underlying bone. The dentist then cleans the tooth socket before filling it with a bone substitute material. In some cases, the dentist uses either the patient’s own bone or a donor bone material. After, the graft is covered with a special membrane to protect it and help it regenerate.
Socket preservation grafting is not always necessary after tooth extraction, but it is strongly encouraged in most cases to prevent issues such as bone loss, gum recession, a weakened jawbone, and teeth shifting. Also, there must be a healthy existing bone to properly support dental implants, and grafting is likely necessary for implant-supported tooth restorations. Socket preservation grafting is also encouraged if the patient intends to replace the missing tooth (or teeth) with a dental bridge or dentures, as well.
As mentioned, the risks of preserving the socket can include teeth shifting, which makes tooth replacement more challenging, along with creating orthodontic concerns such as larger gaps than what previously existed. Bone loss and gum recession may also occur if the socket is not properly preserved after tooth extraction or tooth loss occurs.
If you have more questions about socket preservation grafting or have recently had a tooth (or multiple teeth) extracted or fall out, then contact our dental team today. We can arrange a time for you to visit with our friendly dental professionals and discuss whether or not socket preservation grafting is an appropriate solution for you.
Request an appointment here: https://spectrumsurgical.net or call Facial Spectrum at (816) 524-4334 for an appointment in our Lee's Summit office.
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