Dental Extractions
Tooth Extraction
There are many reasons why your dentist may recommend tooth extraction to help address dental issues you may be facing. Among the most common reasons for the extraction of a tooth are:
- Extreme tooth decay
- Infection in the tooth
- Overcrowding
- Braces treatment
- Preservation of oral health during chemotherapy or organ transplant surgery
Tooth extraction takes place in a clinic by a dentist or oral surgeon. The procedure takes very little time and can often be done under local anesthesia. For more complicated cases, general or intravenous anesthesia may be required. Typically, teeth that can easily be seen in the mouth are simple to remove. However, teeth that are broken, hidden in the gumline, or impacted are more challenging to extract, and a heavier anesthetic is required to ensure no pain during the procedure.
Ridge Augmentation
Following a tooth extraction, your dentist may feel it is a good idea to schedule an appointment for ridge augmentation. If you have experienced some bone loss due to extraction, ridge augmentation can help provide the necessary support for your gums and jaw.
The bone that encases the roots of your teeth is called the alveolar ridge. When an extraction occurs, this section of the alveolar ridge is left empty. Though most often, this socket heals well and organically establishes the required bone and tissue for a healthy ridge, sometimes the socket becomes damaged, and thus, unable to heal and fill itself properly. When the socket is damaged, degradation of the area will continue, decreasing the overall depth and width.
A ridge augmentation increases the socket’s height and width to its original state. This particular surgery is deemed unnecessary; however, your dentist may feel it is warranted if your plans include a dental implant.
What is Involved in Ridge Augmentation Surgery?
Ridge augmentation surgery involves the addition of bone grafts inside the socket to increase the depth and width of the bone. Most often, the procedure follows a tooth extraction to prevent the need for a second surgery later. Once the bone graft is securely in place, your dentist will then layer gum tissue over the area and stitch it into place. Sometimes, your dentist may insert a spacer to help the bone properly grow.
Local anesthesia is typically all that is required for ridge augmentation surgery.
Ridge Preservation (Socket Preservation)
The body naturally adjusts and heals the affected area when a tooth is removed. Soft tissue and bone can deteriorate when this happens, making the socket unsuitable for a dental implant. If not addressed early, the process of building bone at a later time can be far more painful and exceptionally costly.
Gum tissue is vital to provide the foundation for the bone beneath it. When bone loss occurs, the alveolar ridge can become pitted and uneven. Ridge preservation is a procedure that uses bone grafts to help build needed bone in sockets where a tooth has been removed. Much like ridge augmentation, it is recommended that ridge preservation be done immediately following the extraction.
Following a ridge preservation procedure, your mouth will need approximately three to five months to heal fully. At this time, the socket will be ready to implement an implant if so desired.
Are There Any Benefits to Ridge Preservation?
The main benefits to ridge preservation surgery are:
- Helps to support and maintain bone tissue following an extraction
- Deters bone and soft tissue collapse
- Very little discomfort during the procedure
- Ensures the correct support for an implant
- Encourages a healthy and attractive looking ridge
- Supports a beautiful smile
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