A socket preservation graft might not be as familiar to you as a filling or a crown, but it is a critical procedure. If you have a missing tooth, the dentist will want to protect the hole left behind. This procedure usually occurs right after extraction or as soon after you lose a tooth as possible. To make this process more comfortable, you should understand what to expect and why you might need this surgery.
Though teeth are stronger than bones, they can still become damaged or loose. In some cases, trauma to the mouth could knock out a tooth. Other people must visit the dentist for a tooth extraction. Poor dental habits such as a lack of brushing and flossing can cause a tooth to fall out or become severely decayed. People who do not make and keep regular dental appointments may also suffer tooth loss.
A dentist or oral surgeon will perform a socket preservation graft. Before beginning, the dentist will discuss the procedure with the patient. This can help the patient feel more at ease and gain an understanding of why this surgery is necessary. The dentist or surgeon will numb the patient with a local anesthetic for comfort.
When a tooth is missing, the bone that used to support it may deteriorate. The dentist will take a piece of bone from somewhere else to take its place. This bone may be from another part of the patient’s body such as the hip. Or, it may come from a donor or a synthetic creation. The dentist then sews up the opening.
A dry socket can be a serious condition. It occurs when the blood clot protecting the tooth-extraction site is knocked. This exposes the nerve underneath to various sensations. It can cause intense pain when the patient eats, drinks or even breathes. The dentist will clean the socket, treat it with an antibiotic and perform a socket preservation graft.
A patient may also need a socket preservation graft to protect what is known as the alveolar ridge. This strip of bone goes around the roots of teeth. Bone loss in this area can make it difficult to maintain the function of the patient’s teeth.
To preserve their smile, some patients decide to get dental implants. These titanium posts go deep into the jawbone and act as an anchor for the attached crown. A socket preservation graft may be necessary if there is no bone left to which the implants can use as support.
Losing a tooth is no small matter. Along with worrying about your appearance, you should be concerned about the socket it leaves behind. Ask a dentist or oral surgeon near you whether you may need this surgery. If you do, take care of it right away so you can avoid further oral health problems. Call and make an appointment today.
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