Filling the socket right after a tooth is removed keeps the jawbone from shrinking the way it typically does once a tooth root is gone. This preserves enough width and height in the bone for a dental implant in the future. It also helps the surrounding gum tissue and facial structure keep their natural shape.
Socket Preservation
Prevent Bone Loss
Maintain Your Jawbone With Socket Preservation in Montgomery
Protecting the shape of your jawbone can start the same day a tooth is removed, rather than waiting until bone loss has begun. Socket preservation in Montgomery fills the empty space left behind with graft material, helping the area heal while maintaining its natural width and height.
This type of early bone graft helps preserve bone for a future dental implant, since a shrunken jawbone can make that procedure more complicated later. Adding it at the time of extraction is usually simple, without requiring a separate appointment or additional recovery time.
Discover the Benefits of Preserving Your Tooth Socket
Preserves Bone Shape
The graft material placed in the socket keeps the jawbone from losing its width and height in the weeks after your tooth extraction.
Simplifies Implants
Maintaining good bone density now helps you avoid a separate bone graft later on if you want to get implants and replacement teeth.
Avoids Facial Changes
A preserved jawbone helps your surrounding gum tissue and facial structure keep their natural shape rather than sinking inward.
Convenient Procedure
Socket preservation is typically completed during the same appointment as an extraction, without requiring an extra visit.
See How a Socket Preservation Procedure Works
Socket preservation treatment happens right after a tooth is removed, with graft material placed into the empty socket before it has a chance to heal on its own. A membrane is sometimes placed over the graft to hold it in position while the area begins to heal properly.
This procedure differs from a standard bone graft, which addresses bone that has already been lost. Tooth socket treatment works ahead of that loss, aiming to keep the jawbone close to its original shape rather than rebuilding it after significant shrinkage has already occurred.
A consultation at the time of your extraction helps determine whether a socket preservation procedure makes sense, particularly if you're considering a dental implant in the future.
Learn more about socket preservation in Montgomery by reaching out to our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Socket Preservation
Q What is socket preservation?
A
Socket preservation is a procedure performed right after a tooth extraction to fill the empty socket with graft material before the bone can shrink. This helps maintain the width and height of the jawbone in that area, keeping options open for future treatment.
Q When is socket preservation performed?
A
Socket preservation is performed immediately after a tooth extraction, during the same appointment, before the socket has a chance to heal on its own. Waiting until after the socket has started healing reduces how effective this treatment can be.
Q How is socket preservation different from a bone graft?
A
Socket preservation is done at the time of extraction to prevent bone loss before it happens, while a standard bone graft addresses bone that has already been lost. Both use similar graft material, but the timing and goal of each procedure differ.
Q What materials are used for socket preservation?
A
Socket preservation typically uses graft material similar to that used in bone grafts, including synthetic material, processed donor tissue, or bone from another area. A membrane is often placed over the graft to help hold it in position during healing.
Q Does socket preservation hurt?
A
Socket preservation is usually performed under the same local anesthesia used for the extraction, so it adds little additional discomfort to the procedure. Mild soreness in the days following treatment is common and typically improves with rest and pain relief.
Q How long does socket preservation take?
A
Socket preservation adds a relatively short amount of time to a standard tooth extraction, often just 10 to 20 additional minutes. The exact time depends on the size of the socket and how much graft material needs to be placed.
Q Is socket preservation necessary after every extraction?
A
Socket preservation isn't necessary after every extraction, since some areas of the mouth are less prone to noticeable bone loss than others. A dentist typically recommends it when future treatment, like a dental implant, is being considered for that location.
Q How long before an implant can be placed after socket preservation?
A
An implant can often be placed a few months after socket preservation, once the graft has had time to integrate with the surrounding bone. This timeline is generally similar to, or sometimes shorter than, waiting after a standard bone graft.
