Socket Preservation

Tooth extraction may sometimes be necessary due to pain, infection, bone loss, or a fracture in the tooth. The bone (socket) that holds the tooth in place is often damaged by disease or infection, which may result in a deformity of the jaw after the tooth is extracted. Additionally, when teeth are extracted, the surrounding bone and gum can shrink and recede quickly, resulting in defects and a collapse of the cheeks and lips.

Jaw defects can create major problems, so addressing issues before they escalate is crucial. Problems from tooth removal can be prevented and repaired with a socket preservation procedure. At Union City Oral Surgery Group, our goal is to protect our client’s oral health and ensure they have a smile they can be proud of. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help preserve the integrity of your oral health.

What Is Socket Preservation?

Socket preservation encompasses several methods of preserving the bone and minimizing bone loss after tooth extraction. The procedure can significantly improve a smile’s appearance and increase the chances of a successful impact placement. 

A common method of socket preservation consists of removing the tooth and filling the socket with bone or bone substitute. Filling in the socket encourages the body’s natural healing ability. This method eliminates shrinkage and prevents the 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 extracted tooth. 

Why Would a Tooth Be Extracted?

A dental professional may recommend tooth extraction because of:

• Damaged Teeth: Teeth that are damaged or broken beyond repair are often better to have extracted.
• Tooth Decay: A tooth that is decayed to the point that it can’t be treated with a filling, crown, or root canal is better to extract to protect your oral health
• Periodontal Disease: Bacteria that build up and form plaque underneath the gum can lead to gum disease. Periodontal disease can erode the gum tissue and bone causing teeth to loosen.
• Crowded Teeth: It’s possible to have a jaw too small to fit all your teeth, have extra teeth, or have teeth growing into or on top of other teeth. In this case, it’s necessary to extract a tooth to eliminate overcrowding.

Oral health is key to our overall health but rarely given as much attention as the rest of our body. At Union City Oral Surgery Group, we can provide you with the tools and information to make informed and proactive choices on your oral health. 

Is Socket Preservation Recommended?

The human body is naturally efficient in healing itself. When you lose a tooth, the bone that supported it is no longer of service and begins to break down. The material is then re-used elsewhere in the body. While this seems like a perfectly reasonable process, it can also cause problems for your oral health. 

As the bone breaks down, the surrounding teeth can start to shift out of place over time leading to a misaligned bite. The loss of bone height can affect the appearance of facial features and over time, the deterioration may reach a point where the bone is no longer strong or thick enough to support a dental implant. 

A socket preservation procedure helps prevent these issues. After a tooth is extracted, the dentist will place extra bone into the socket to preserve its structural integrity and keep the area around it strong. The bone graft material can differ. It’s necessary to discuss your options with your oral surgeon to understand more about the best bone graft option for you. They can break down the different options and their benefits for your circumstances. 

The Benefits of Socket Preservation?

There are a variety of benefits to socket preservation, including:

• Bone preservation
• Protection of adjacent teeth
• Reduced risk of dry socket
• Promotes faster healing
• Reduced postoperative bleeding and discomfort
• Establishing a foundation for future teeth replacement (dental implants or dentures)

Understanding whether you need or benefit from socket preservation requires going to a professional. Visit Union City Oral Surgery Group to get a better breakdown of your condition and treatment plan that places your needs at the center. 

How Does Socket Preservation Play a Role in the Dental Implant Process?

If you want to get dental implants to replace missing or extracted teeth, it’s best to discuss the desire with your dentist. With this knowledge, the dentist can proceed to include socket preservation in the treatment plan from the beginning. If a socket is left untreated, it can cause serious health issues such as:

• Inability to chew or eat properly 
• Increased risk of oral infection
• Increased risk of cavities
• Increased risk of gum disease

Furthermore, even the most experienced oral professionals cannot predict how the jawbone will behave after tooth removal. The success of a dental implant depends greatly on the health of your jawbone and the surrounding teeth and gums. 

Get the Socket Preservation You Need by Contacting Our Experienced Oral Surgeons Today

At Union City Oral Surgery Group, we can protect your oral health from infections and jawbone deterioration. Choosing the best oral and maxillofacial surgeon is vital to the success of whatever oral surgical procedure you require. When it comes to oral health, it is necessary to get state-of-the-art care. We offer our patients the latest equipment, innovative treatments, and the latest dental advances to achieve the best possible results.

Union City Oral Surgery Group strives to provide patients with outstanding, exceptional patient care using the most recent surgical procedures. We are set apart by being there for our patients before, during, and after their surgical process. Get unmatched oral services today by contacting us at (201) 601-9262 or by completing our online contact form for more information.