Socket Preservation Bone Graft

If you need to have a tooth pulled and plan to fill the gap with an artificial tooth, bone grafting will build and strengthen your jawbone before the dental implant is inserted. At Ueno Center Dental Specialists in Campbell, California, the expert team offers socket preservation bone grafts to achieve this goal. The practice serves San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos, and the surrounding areas. Call the office today to learn more or book an appointment online.

What is a socket preservation bone graft?

Socket preservation bone grafting is a procedure in which your dentist can prevent jawbone deformities after a tooth is pulled. It preserves the bone and minimizes bone loss, making dental implant placement and a more aesthetically pleasing smile possible.

If you need a tooth pulled for any reason, ask your dentist if you’re a candidate for a socket preservation bone graft. The procedure is helpful in almost all cases of extraction when you plan to replace a missing front tooth.

Why might I need to have a tooth pulled?

You’ll need to have a tooth pulled if you have an infection, pain, major tooth damage, or bone loss, and the tooth can’t be saved. The bone that holds teeth in place can shrink quickly after an extraction, which can result in unsightly defects or the collapse of your cheeks and lips. Bone can decrease by 40-60% within a short time.

To reduce your risk of permanent tooth loss or the need for an extraction, you must practice exceptional oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, and see your dentist every six months for professional dental cleanings and exams.

Contact your dentist at the first sign of tooth pain, discoloration, or damage.

What should I expect during a socket preservation bone graft?

After your dentist numbs the treatment area and removes a tooth from its socket, they can complete the socket preservation bone graft procedure. Your provider fills the empty socket with a piece of bone or a bone substitute, covering it with a protective membrane, gum tissue, or tissue-stimulating proteins to improve your body’s natural healing ability.

What happens after a socket preservation bone graft?

After undergoing a socket preservation bone graft, the empty socket heals. The graft prevents bone shrinkage and gum and facial tissue collapse, and eventually, this newly formed bone provides a strong foundation for an artificial tooth.

After the socket fully heals, your dentist can insert a dental implant, a metal artificial tooth root. It can anchor a dental crown, bridge, or dentures to replace gaps left by missing teeth and perfect your beautiful smile.

To learn more about socket preservation bone grafting and find out if it’s right for you, call Ueno Center Dental Specialists or book an appointment online today.