Socket preservation is a critical procedure following a tooth extraction, vital for maintaining the integrity of the jawbone and ensuring the best possible foundation for future dental restorations, including dental implants. At Metro West Orthodontics & Periodontics, we understand the significance of this procedure and are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest standard of care.
When a tooth is removed, whether due to severe decay, gum disease, trauma or other dental issues, it leaves behind an empty space known as a socket. Without proper care, this socket can become a site for significant bone loss, compromising the structure of the jaw and affecting the appearance and health of your mouth. To prevent these issues, socket preservation is performed immediately after tooth extraction.
The Process of Socket Preservation
Socket preservation involves placing a bone graft within the tooth’s socket immediately after extraction. This graft can be made from different materials, including synthetic options or processed bone minerals, which serve as a scaffold for new bone growth. By filling the socket, the graft helps maintain the bone’s height and width, preventing the collapse of surrounding tissue and preserving the jaw’s natural contour.
After placing the graft material, our periodontists will cover the area with a protective barrier, often a biologically engineered collagen membrane. This membrane supports healing and guides the regeneration of bone within the socket. The site is then sutured closed to protect the graft and encourage the body’s natural healing process.
Over the following months, the graft material integrates with the patient’s bone, encouraging new bone growth and effectively preserving the jaw’s structure. This process not only maintains the aesthetics of your smile but also provides a stable foundation for future dental implants or other restorative procedures.
Why Choose Our Practice for Socket Preservation?
Our periodontists and team prioritize your oral health and comfort, employing the latest techniques and materials in socket preservation to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients. We understand that the idea of tooth extraction and subsequent procedures can be daunting, which is why we take a compassionate and individualized approach to care. We work closely with each patient to determine the best treatment plan for their specific needs, ensuring they are fully informed and comfortable throughout the process.
Our commitment to excellence and innovation means we are always seeking out the best new methods and technologies to serve our patients better. Whether you are in need of socket preservation following tooth extraction or are considering dental implants and want to ensure your jaw is properly prepared, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
We welcome you to call us today at 402-614-7022 to learn more about socket preservation in La Vista, Nebraska, and schedule your appointment with Dr. Takanari Miyamoto or Dr. Melissa Lang. We are dedicated to providing you with care that will promote your long-term health and wellbeing.
402-614-7022