Socket Preservation Procedure Shoreline WA

Preserving Your Jaw Bone after Extraction

Removal of teeth is sometimes necessary because of pain, infection, bone loss, or due to a fracture in the tooth. The bone that holds the tooth in place (the socket) is often damaged by disease and/or infection, resulting in a deformity of the jaw after the tooth is extracted. In addition, when teeth are extracted the surrounding bone and gums can shrink and recede very quickly, resulting in unsightly defects and a collapse of the lips and cheeks.

These jaw defects can create major problems in performing restorative dentistry whether your treatment involves dental implants, bridges, or dentures. Jaw deformities from tooth removal can be prevented and repaired by a procedure called socket preservation. Socket preservation can greatly improve your smile’s appearance and increase your chances for successful dental implants.

Socket Grafting

When a tooth is removed, the bone at the extraction site tends to collapse inward and shrink over time. However, bone can be maintained and even improved in its volume and density with the addition of bone mineral. The bone mineral is pre-packaged as granules, similar to coarse sand. It is gently packed into the extraction socket and covered with a dissolving collagen sponge. Over the course of three to four months, surrounding natural bone replaces this substance, resulting in the formation of dense, high quality bone for future implant placement.