Removal of teeth is sometimes necessary because of pain, infection, bone loss or tooth fracture. The bone that holds the tooth in place may be damaged by disease or infection resulting in deformity of the jaw after the tooth is extracted. In addition, after teeth are removed, the surrounding bone and gums can shrink and recede very quickly after the extraction resulting in unsightly defects and 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 simply prevented and repaired by a procedure called socket augmentation. Socket augmentation can greatly increase your chances for successful dental implants for years to come.
Socket augmentation is a simple procedure for the patient, performed while numb:
- The tooth is carefully and gently removed to preserve the surrounding bone
- Bone graft material is placed into the socket
- A “band-aid” material may be placed over the bone graft and secured
If your dentist has recommended tooth removal, be sure to ask if socket augmentation may help. This is important if you are considering replacing a tooth with a dental implant.
—Kim D.