Wisdom Teeth
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Removal of teeth is sometimes necessary because of pain, infection, bone loss, or due to a fracture in the tooth. The bone that holds the tooth in place (the socket) is often damaged by disease and/or infection, resulting in a deformity of the jaw after the tooth is extracted. In addition, when teeth are extracted the surrounding bone and gums can shrink and recede very quickly, resulting in unsightly defects and a collapse of the lips and cheeks.
These jaw defects can create major problems in performing restorative dentistry whether your treatment involves dental implants, bridges, or dentures. Jaw deformities from tooth removal can be prevented and repaired by a procedure called socket preservation. Socket preservation can greatly improve your smile’s appearance and increase your chances for successful dental implants.
Several techniques can be used to preserve the bone and minimize bone loss after an extraction. In one common method, the tooth is removed and the socket is filled with bone or bone substitute. It is then covered with gum, artificial membrane, or tissue, which encourages your body’s natural ability to repair the socket. With this method, the socket heals, eliminating shrinkage and collapse of the surrounding gum and facial tissues. The newly formed bone in the socket also provides a foundation for an implant to replace the tooth. If your dentist has recommended tooth removal, be sure to ask if socket preservation is necessary. This is particularly important if you are planning on replacing the front teeth.
Socket preservation is a surgical procedure that prevents bone loss after tooth extraction by filling the empty socket with bone graft material. This technique maintains the jaw’s natural shape and volume, preventing the collapse of surrounding gum tissue and facial structures. It’s particularly crucial if you’re planning dental implants, bridges, or dentures, as adequate bone volume is essential for successful restoration. Socket preservation also improves aesthetic outcomes, especially for front teeth replacements.
Initial healing of a preserved socket typically occurs within two to three weeks, though complete bone regeneration takes approximately three to six months. During this time, your body integrates the bone graft material and forms new bone tissue. You’ll need to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including dietary modifications and oral hygiene practices. Dr. Johnson monitors healing progress through follow-up appointments and determines when the site is ready for implant placement or other restorative procedures.
While immediate implant placement is sometimes possible, most cases require waiting three to six months after socket preservation before implant surgery. This healing period allows the grafted bone to fully integrate and develop sufficient density to support an implant. The timing depends on factors including the extraction site’s condition, bone graft type used, and your overall healing capacity. Dr. Johnson evaluates your specific situation and coordinates with your restorative dentist to determine the optimal timeline for implant placement.
Socket preservation involves minimal discomfort, as the procedure is performed under local anesthesia or sedation based on your preference. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate and well-managed with prescribed pain medications. You may experience swelling for several days, which can be reduced with ice packs and keeping your head elevated. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, though you should avoid strenuous exercise and follow dietary restrictions during initial healing.
Without socket preservation, the jaw bone at the extraction site can lose up to forty to sixty percent of its volume within the first year. This bone loss creates challenges for future dental implants, as insufficient bone requires additional grafting procedures later, increasing treatment complexity and cost. The collapse of bone and gum tissue can also create aesthetic deficits, particularly visible in the smile zone. Socket preservation performed at the time of extraction is more predictable, less invasive, and more cost-effective than reconstructing lost bone later.