Socket preservation grafting is a common way for oral surgeons to fill the empty tooth socket after tooth extraction or tooth loss. It preserves the integrity of the underlying bone that supports teeth, which can offer benefits such as preventing teeth shifting and reducing the risk of bone loss in the jaw, as well as gum recession.
Your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend socket preservation grafting after a tooth extraction, especially if a replacement tooth (implant, bridge, or denture) is necessary. This review takes a closer look at the purpose of socket preservation grafting and when it might be necessary for oral health, cosmetic, and functional reasons.
There is a void that exists in the jawbone after tooth extraction. Without preserving the socket after tooth extraction, surrounding teeth can begin to shift in an effort to fill the extra space. This causes issues such as larger gaps between teeth or developing gaps that were not previously there. Bone atrophy in the jaw and gum recession may also occur in the affected area. A socket preservation graft prevents these concerns from developing by maintaining the structural integrity of the socket after tooth extraction.
One of the main reasons dentists and oral surgeons recommend socket preservation grafting is to prepare the mouth for a dental implant. Implants serve the same role as a tooth root, which is to support the replacement tooth. Since the implant is placed into the jawbone, there must be enough existing bone to allow for a secure hold of the implant. If not, then the dental implant may not be successful. Socket preservation grafting ensures there is healthy bone tissue that allows for successful dental implant placement.
Socket preservation grafting is also important if the patient intends to replace the missing tooth with a dental bridge or traditional denture. This is because the bone must keep the ideal height after tooth extraction to ensure a natural look, feel, and function. Also, without socket preservation grafting, surrounding teeth may shift. This makes bridges and dentures more challenging (and costly) as more space needs to be filled by the replacement teeth.
Everyone should consider how socket preservation grafting can help them before treatment. As discussed, the key benefits that socket preservation can achieve include:
The best way to determine whether socket preservation grafting is right for you is to consult with a dentist or oral surgeon and discuss the benefits as it relates to you specifically.
If you are considering socket preservation grafting, then contact our dental team today to discuss the treatment option. Although socket preservation grafting may sound intimidating at first, we strive to make the treatment as convenient and comfortable as possible for our patients.
Request an appointment here: https://spectrumsurgical.net or call Facial Spectrum at (816) 524-4334 for an appointment in our Lee's Summit office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
The jawbone is the part of the face that holds many essential elements together, such as the teeth, ligaments, and muscles; however, bone grafting may sometimes be necessary if the jawbone is too weak to perform these tasks. A person’s jawbone can deteriorate over time, whether due to age, genetics, poor oral health, cancer, or…
Finding lasting relief from issues such as misalignment and facial asymmetry can involve specialized procedures. Fortunately, corrective jaw surgery is a reliable option for addressing these concerns. A dental specialist realigns the upper or lower jaw during this process to promote better function and comfort. Although the procedure can benefit health and appearance significantly, a…
Many individuals seek rhinoplasty to enhance facial harmony, improve nasal function, or correct structural abnormalities. As a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose, rhinoplasty can address aesthetic concerns as well as breathing difficulties caused by structural defects such as a deviated septum. Understanding the consultation process, surgical techniques, and what to expect from the recovery…
The facelift is one of the oldest and most well-known cosmetic surgeries for restoring a youthful appearance to the face. If you are considering this procedure, it is important to understand the steps of the process and the time commitment involved. The specifics of the process can vary depending on the patient; however, here is…
The jawbone is the part of the face that holds many essential elements together, such as the teeth, ligaments, and muscles; however, bone grafting may sometimes be necessary if the jawbone is too weak to perform these tasks. A person’s jawbone can deteriorate over time, whether due to age, genetics, poor oral health, cancer, or…
Finding lasting relief from issues such as misalignment and facial asymmetry can involve specialized procedures. Fortunately, corrective jaw surgery is a reliable option for addressing these concerns. A dental specialist realigns the upper or lower jaw during this process to promote better function and comfort. Although the procedure can benefit health and appearance significantly, a…