Tooth Socket Graft
Tooth Socket Graft
Tinton Falls, NJ
Tooth extraction can help to solve some dental issues – from stopping the spread of decay to alleviating pain and discomfort. However, when a tooth is extracted, it leaves behind a hole (socket) in the jawbone. Without the stimulation from the tooth, the bone tissue surrounding this socket starts to deteriorate. On top of that, the extraction can cause damage to this surrounding bone tissue - which can also happen if the tooth was infected – leading to further jawbone atrophy. The jawbone loss results in insufficient bone space, making it impossible to insert an implant. Luckily, at Premier Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we can help to prevent bone loss by preserving its structure following tooth extraction. We do this by offering you a tooth socket graft procedure.
What Is A Tooth Socket Graft?
A tooth socket graft is a type of dental bone grafting procedure, which helps to maintain the structure of the jawbone following tooth extraction. The procedure involves placing a graft material in the empty tooth socket, which allows for the growth of new bone tissue. The new tissue, then merges with the existing jawbone, providing sufficient space for future dental implant placement.
When Do You Need A Tooth Socket Graft?
While a tooth socket graft is usually performed following tooth extraction, it is not a must that you have it. It is only necessary for the following situations:
• If you plan on getting delayed dental implants - the procedure might not be necessary if you get same day implants - implants inserted immediately following tooth extraction. Getting a tooth socket graft is also not necessary if you are not planning to get dental implants at any time in the future.
• If the bone surrounding the tooth socket is damaged - tooth socket graft is used to promote proper healing of the tooth socket if it was damaged due to decay, infection, or during the extraction process. While getting a tooth socket graft is not necessary, it can help to save you much trouble down the line. Without the procedure, bone loss is almost guaranteed, and this can be problematic if you then decide to get implants at a later time. The deterioration of the jawbone can also affect the adjacent teeth, leading to further tooth damage.
What Happens During The Procedure?
A tooth socket graft is carried out immediately following tooth extraction. Therefore, it is a simple procedure, which is not invasive in any way – the graft space is created by the removal of the tooth.
Immediately following the removal of the tooth, the socket is cleaned up, and graft material is placed inside the tooth socket. To ensure it stays in place, a protective biocompatible material is used to cover it, and then the gum tissue surrounding the site is stitched up.
After the procedure, you can expect to experience normal tooth extraction side effects such as pain, bleeding, swelling of the gums (around the extraction site), and irritation. These, however, completely disappear once the wound starts to heal.
After the procedure, a few precautions are required to ensure that the graft material is not displaced, and to promote faster healing. These include:
• Not touching the wound or applying pressure with your mouth
• Avoiding irritation through vigorous brushing or rinsing
• Not smoking during the healing period - smoking can lead to dry sockets
At Premier Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we offer tooth socket grafting, which helps to preserve your jawbone for future dental implant placement. Call us today at (732) 747-1766 to schedule an appointment.