Tooth Socket Graft
Kansas City, MO
 Extracting teeth in the U.S. is relatively common, with about half of the adults from 20 to 65 years of age losing at least one tooth to extraction. The usual pattern of bone healing after a tooth extraction is termed resorptive. This means that both soft and hard tissue defects can affect the success of adding implants. Any loss of tissue in the jaw can impact the aesthetics and functions of dental implants or prosthetics, such as dental bridges
Why Use a Tooth Socket Graft to Take Care of the Problem?About half the alveolar bone’s dimensions can be reduced or lost after a dental extraction. In fact, about two-thirds of bone loss may occur within three months after a tooth has been removed. A height loss may also occur along the vertical ridge due to atrophy. When this happens, it can compromise the placement of implants because of a thinner volume of bone. Because of these outcomes, it helps to perform a tooth socket graft after a tooth extraction, as doing so prevents soft and hard tissue loss. When sockets are preserved in this manner, less bone volume is lost. A tooth socket graft is typically recommended when grafting extraction sites to increase the soft and hard gum tissue for pontic locations, such as a fixed bridge.
It also helps to graft the tooth socket to rebuild defects around the surrounding teeth that result from periodontal disease. Grafting of sockets also corrects bone defects that impinge on dental structures. If you wish to preserve the structure of the gum tissue after extraction, a tooth socket graft is imperative if you plan to add implants. A grafting material is used to regenerate the bone. What Should I Expect Afterwards If a Bone Graft Is Performed?A bone graft is comprised of several particles - granules that can linger in the mouth. This is common and will go away after a short time. After this type of surgery is performed, you should never touch the wound. Keep any gauze pad in place for about 45 minutes after the procedure. You also need to avoid spitting or rinsing for about two days, so the graft material that is used can become stabilized. Taking this precaution will also allow the blood to naturally clot.
Never apply pressure with your finger or tongue to the graft site, as doing so may move the graft material. Also, it is important not to pull on or lift your cheek to check the sutures. Doing so can tear the sutures and damage the grafted site. Place ice packs and take the medication prescribed to ease any discomfort. Usually, 2 tablets (400 mg) of an Ibuprofen pain reliever will reduce any pain when taken every three or four hours. Schedule an Appointment
Would you like to know more how to prepare your teeth for implants? Bone grafting can be an important part of the process. Learn more by contacting us here at Fay Periodontal Associates at (816) 561-8466. The more you know about grafting and implantation, the easier it will be to improve your smile realistically and patiently. |
