How Implants Prevent Bone Loss
Eugene, OR
 Sometimes, tooth extractions are unavoidable. You might have suffered dental trauma that has rendered a tooth unsalvageable. Perhaps a tooth is significantly decayed and cannot be protected with either a filling or a crown. Following a tooth extraction, an empty socket is left behind. Leaving behind this empty space can cause several problems. At Harmony Dental, we can help to fill the empty space with a tooth socket graft.
Do I Need a Tooth Socket Graft?
A tooth socket graft is generally recommended following a scheduled tooth extraction. The graft material is placed into the empty space immediately following the removal of your tooth. This involves the use of bone grafting material, which could be your own bone, donor tissue, or even synthetic materials. Once the graft has been placed, a membrane is typically placed over it, separating the graft and bone from the gum tissue on top. This helps to protect the graft and prevents soft tissue from filling into the graft site.
Can I Have an Extraction without a Tooth Socket Graft?
It is possible to have an extraction without a tooth socket graft. However, this procedure is generally recommended to prevent potential complications such as changes in the bone that can affect the alignment of your teeth. Moreover, if you are considering replacing your extracted tooth with a dental implant at some point down the road, having a tooth socket graft can make the process much easier.
Reducing the Risk for Dry Socket
Dry socket is a potential risk after a tooth extraction. This is a condition in which the blood clot that protects the socket is knocked loose, leaving the socket open to infections. Filling in the socket with grafting material can help to reduce the risk of developing dry socket.
Preserving More of Your Natural Bone Mass
After tooth loss, the area where the teeth are missing begins to lose bone mass. This even happens after an extraction. A significant amount of bone mass is lost in the first three to six months following tooth loss. The more bone mass you lose, the greater the effects. Your jawbone begins to change shape, and your teeth can begin to shift out of alignment. This can have a serious effect on your oral health and your bite. With a tooth socket graft, we can help to minimize the bone loss after your tooth extractions, which helps to preserve more of your natural bone mass.
Making Dental Implant Placement Easier
Tooth socket grafting is most often recommended when you want to replace your extracted teeth with dental implants later on. Since we can preserve more of your natural bone and minimize the amount of bone loss, you avoid the need for larger, more invasive bone grafting, and an additional surgical procedure, later on. With a tooth socket graft, you have a solid foundation for the implant to be placed. This can then help to increase the success of dental implant treatment. It typically takes about three to six months to heal after tooth socket grafting, after which time your dental implants can then be placed.
If you need a tooth extraction, a tooth socket graft may be recommended. For more information, call Harmony Dental at (541) 246-3250 today.
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