Oral Surgery Category

Ridge Preservation in Worcester, MA

Preserving the Ridge after Tooth Extraction

Ridge preservation in Worcester, MA, also called tooth socket preservation, is a crucial dental procedure that helps maintain the structure of the jawbone following tooth removal. Tooth loss can lead to bone resorption (typically shrinks and weakens). This bone loss can complicate future dental implant placement and impact the smile’s overall appearance. Ridge preservation prevents this bone loss, making it easier and more effective to place dental implants later on.

Procedure for Keeping the Ridge Intact

After careful tooth extraction, a unique bone graft material is placed into the empty socket. This dental preservation procedure can utilize materials from the patient’s body (autogenous graft), a donor (allograft), or a synthetic source (alloplast/xenograft). The graft stimulates bone regeneration in the socket where the tooth was while the surrounding gum tissue heals. Once the material is in place, it is secured with stitches or a membrane to safeguard the area during healing.

Healing typically takes three to five months, after which a dental implant can be inserted. Dental socket preservation ensures the bone remains strong, reducing the need for additional grafting procedures in the future.

Importance of Ridge Preservation

Leaving the socket empty post-extraction often results in significant bone loss, which can hinder dental implant placement or alter facial structure. Tooth socket preservation prevents this by maintaining the strength and stability of the bone.

Some advantages include:

  • Less Invasive: The procedure causes minimal discomfort and requires less recovery than later bone grafting procedures.
  • Cost-Effective: Implementing ridge preservation immediately after extraction is more affordable and convenient than waiting until bone loss necessitates more invasive grafting.
  • Preparation for Future Implants: It establishes a sturdy base for future dental implant placement without requiring additional procedures.
  • Preservation of Appearance: The procedure helps sustain a natural-looking smile and facial structure by preventing bone loss.

If you are considering tooth extraction and wish to explore options for socket preservation, seeking advice from a specialist is crucial. At Worcester Periodontics, our skilled periodontists in Worcester offer personalized care to help you conserve your oral health and get ready for future treatments like dental implants.

Visit Us!

To gain more insight or schedule a consultation, please visit us at 48 Elm St #3, Worcester, MA, at 01609, USA. If you have questions or want to explore some of the best match options for your dental needs, contact our team; we would be happy to assist.

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