How Extractions with Socket Preservation Prevent Destructive Bone Loss
Bone loss is a complication of tooth loss. In the first year after extraction or tooth loss, approximately 25% of the bone is lost due to the process of bone reabsorption, which progresses and worsens without appropriate treatment. Fortunately, board-certified periodontist Dr. Tyler Hendry and our team at Glendale Periodontics prevent the devastating consequences of bone loss. We do so with a grafting procedure at the time of your extraction, known as “socket preservation.”
Why would I need this treatment?
Socket preservation is a proactive treatment for our patients from across Southern California. It is designed to maintain the health of the hollow in your bone where the tooth resides. Each tooth is held in place in this socket with periodontal ligaments. The bone in the jaw, however, can deteriorate following the extraction or loss of a tooth. This process starts immediately after a tooth is extracted. It can progress very quickly. Socket grafting preserves healthy bone and prevents the reabsorption of bone due to a lack of stimulation from teeth. Bone grafting techniques may also be recommended to repair the effects of existing bone loss, effectively rebuilding the structural support of the jaw.
Why is it so important to avoid bone loss?
There are many aesthetic and functional complications associated with bone resorption. When such facial support is lost, it may result in the collapse of the lower third of the face. You may appear older than your years, as bone loss is associated with a sunken-in appearance in the cheeks and lips. This process is also related to day-to-day, functional challenges – from difficulty chewing food to problems pronouncing words clearly and properly.
These defects in the jaw can complicate the process of replacing the lost tooth with bridges, dentures, or implants. In fact, it may preclude you from getting certain types of replacement teeth. Often, dense and strong bone is required for implants, as it provides a solid foundation to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. With socket preservation, these challenges are avoided, and barriers to rebuilding your smile are lifted.
What can I expect from extractions with socket preservation?
If extractions are needed, the tooth is removed very carefully – usually in pieces – to preserve the shape of the socket and minimize damage to the surrounding bone and gums. Implants may be inserted immediately after extraction. Alternatively, we may perform socket preservation during the same appointment in which we remove your tooth. During socket preservation:
- A bone substitute is applied to the area that either requires additional support or is vulnerable to deterioration.
- Once placed in the socket, the graft minimizes the risk of bone loss after the tooth is removed.
- Membranes, gums, or tissue are then positioned over the bone to cover the treatment site.
What can I expect after treatment?
This process unlocks your body’s natural tissue-regenerating properties. To resolve existing bone loss, the graft encourages healing and stops further resorption and the collapse of the facial structure. It can also be used to prevent this common complication of tooth loss. As the socket heals, the newly formed bone in this space protects against the shrinkage/collapse of the gingival and facial tissues around it. This new bone also provides a strong base to support successful implant placement and the sustained health of your implant-retained teeth.
Why should I choose Glendale Periodontics?
Periodontists, such as Dr. Hendry, specialize in socket preservation and other techniques designed to protect and/or restore the supportive tissues in the jaw and face. You can trust both Dr. Hendry’s expertise and his careful selection of advanced technologies and products to support optimal treatment and the best experience at our office in Glendale, CA. Call (818) 240-4555 to schedule your appointment today!
