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To preserve dental health as well as overall well being, it is sometimes necessary to have a tooth extracted. In many cases a tooth extraction is the result of dental disease or injury. However, without teeth in place the soft tissue and the supporting bone in the affected area may degenerate or shrink. This can complicate future efforts to fabricate a replacement tooth like a dental bridge or dental implant.
Ridge preservation is a procedure designed to retain the soft tissue and bone structure at the site of an extracted tooth. After a tooth is removed, bone-grafting material is placed in the socket to promote healing and encourage new bone development. Maintaining adequate bone and supporting the soft tissues following a tooth extraction by means of a ridge preservation procedure, facilitates the successful placement of a dental implant.
Ridge preservation is a dental procedure performed immediately after a tooth extraction to retain the bone and soft tissue around the socket. Maintaining this ridge supports future dental implants and prevents bone loss.
Placing bone grafting material in the extraction socket promotes new bone growth, preserves jawbone volume, and creates a stable foundation for successful dental implant placement.
It is usually recommended when future restorative work, such as a dental implant or bridge, is planned. It may not be needed for every extraction but helps prevent bone shrinkage.
Bone graft materials may include biocompatible donor substitutes, synthetic materials, or growth-promoting substances that encourage bone regeneration in the socket.
Healing generally takes a few months as the graft integrates with natural bone. The exact timeline depends on individual healing and the amount of grafting used.
Ridge preservation maintains jawbone structure, supports ideal implant placement, preserves facial aesthetics, and can reduce the need for future bone grafting.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia, and post-treatment soreness can be managed with standard pain relief.
Costs vary based on grafting material and site complexity. Many dental insurance plans cover ridge preservation when medically necessary; check with your provider for details.
Ridge preservation has a high success rate and strengthens the foundation for future procedures. Rarely, additional grafting may be needed depending on individual bone response.
Your periodontist will evaluate your oral health, extraction site, and restorative plans to determine if ridge preservation will benefit you. Personalized consultation ensures optimal treatment.
Please note: Summer hours may vary. We are open 1 Saturday a month, please call to confirm.
Please note: Summer hours may vary.