Ridge Preservation
What is ridge preservation?
Tooth extraction is an art, especially when it involves ridge preservation. A tooth extraction is never a simple act of "pulling a tooth," because the procedure actually requires a great degree of foresight and planning. At DFW Implant Team, our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Donald Steinberg, takes great pride and precaution when making a plan for a successful tooth extraction and restoration.
By preserving the remaining bone and gum tissue at the site of the extracted tooth, Dr. Steinberg can provide a more aesthetically pleasing restoration, like a dental implant. Missing teeth can have far-reaching consequences on our remaining teeth, not to mention the effect it has on your smile. We offer ridge preservation planning at our office in Bedford, TX, after a complete consultation with exam.
Ridge preservation (a bone grafting procedure that restores jawbone mass to appropriate levels following the loss of one or more teeth) comes into play when a tooth is removed, and careful management of the tooth socket follows in order to preserve and prevent bone and gum-tissue loss so that you can have successful restorations and oral health. Call today to learn more about ridge preservation at our Bedford, TX, office at DFW Implant Team.
What are the benefits of ridge preservation?
A damaged tooth socket can lose up to 60% bone loss within 6 – 12 months of an untreated tooth extraction. Patients can also expect to lose a vertical bone height of at least 1mm. Together, this signifies a great loss of necessary bone and tissue required for the success of dental implants, and may be accompanied by bone grafting treatments.
How is a ridge preservation procedure performed?
Before treatment begins, Dr. Steinberg will complete a thorough examination of your oral health and dental record. When a tooth is extracted, Dr. Steinberg may propose a preventative bone graft in the socket of the missing tooth to limit the amount of shrinking of the bone after extraction. Your own soft tissue, or a composite tissue can be used in its place before a long-lasting restoration is placed. It should also be noted that Dr. Steinberg will use strategic extraction techniques to remove the failing tooth, and this will also aid in a more successful ridge preservation.
How do I recover after a ridge preservation procedure?
Please follow all of the aftercare instructions provided to you after the procedure. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call our office. It is important to call us immediately if you experience excessive bleeding, pain, or high fever. There will be some pain and swelling associated with the ridge preservation procedure, but if it is unmanageable, please contact our office right away.