Socket Preservation

What Happens After Tooth Extraction?

After tooth extraction, the supporting alveolar bone will be lost because it is no longer needed. This loss will create a problem when restoring a missing tooth, especially in the upper jaw.

If the missing tooth is to be restored using a dental implant , the bone loss decreases the success rate of the implant due to the diminished bone support. Therefore, an additional bone graft step will be essential.

If a dental bridge  is used, bone loss may compromise the aesthetics. There will be space between the ridge and the artificial tooth used to replace the missing tooth. So, either the artificial tooth will be elongated, or a dark space will exist between the replacement tooth and the ridge, neither of which will give you a satisfactory look.

Preserving the bone during extraction through socket preservation is crucial for successful restoration in the future.

Benefits of Socket Preservation

• Maintain jawbone: The socket preservation procedure minimises bone loss following tooth extraction.
• Eliminating the need for bone graft surgery: Preserving the jawbone provides flexibility in choosing dental restorations without restrictions or the necessity for additional procedures, such as bone grafting.
• Maintaining facial muscle support: Avoiding bone resorption will help preserve soft tissue support and avoid a sunken face appearance.
• Promoted socket healing: The socket preservation steps taken during extraction ensure smooth healing and reduce the risk of developing a dry socket.
• Provide a foundation for dental implants: The Socket preservation procedure helps maintain adequate bone at the future implant site.

Disadvantages of socket preservation

• Like any other surgery, socket preservation may be accompanied by a minor risk of bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. This can be managed by the prescribed medications and by following the post-operative instructions.
• It reduces bone resorption but doesn’t prevent it entirely.
• Socket preservation is more expensive than simple extractions due to the additional cost of bone graft material and membrane if needed. However, the added cost is significantly less than a separate bone graft surgery.

Socket preservation at Camden High Street Dental Practice

Our professional team aims to prevent bone loss during the healing process of an extracted tooth to ensure a successful prosthetic replacement. Socket preservation involves precautions during and after tooth extraction.

During tooth extraction

Tooth extraction takes place under the effect of local anesthesia. It must be as atraumatic as possible to preserve the bone and soft tissues around it. Dental experts at Camden High Street Dental Practice utilize cutting-edge technologies for gentle tooth extractions. The tooth extraction is performed under local anesthesia using a Piezotome.

A piezotome is a device used during tooth extraction to cut the ligaments attaching the tooth to the bone using ultrasonic waves. It provides preservation of the soft tissues and bone around, minimal discomfort after extraction, and faster healing.

After tooth extraction

After tooth removal, a bone graft and a membrane are inserted into the empty socket to stimulate bone formation and prevent resorption. Finally, absorbable stitches are used to close the socket and promote healing.

A four-month healing time is needed after socket preservation and before implant placement.

Bone grafting materials during socket preservation

There are several bone grafting materials used for socket preservation. These include:

1. Autograft: The bone is taken from the patient himself but from a site other than the extraction site, such as the buccal bone of the maxillary canine. This type of graft is not currently used due to the resorption developing at the donor site.
2. Allograft: Human bone taken from another individual, for example, freeze-dried bone allograft. Disease transmission has been reported during the early introduction of this type.
3. Xenograft: Natural bone derived from animal species such as bovine bone. There have been no reports of disease transmission between the animal and the recipient.
4. Alloplast: synthetic bone materials like calcium phosphate and glass ceramics. Its production is very challenging to replicate the surface characteristics of natural bone.

The best type of bone graft to be used is determined according to the existing bone quality and quantity, the patient’s preferences, the type of dental restoration to be used, and our expert’s recommendation.

Guided Tissue Regeneration: When to Use a Membrane in Socket Preservation

Guided tissue regeneration is a technique that selectively enhances the growth of some tissue while inhibiting the growth of other tissues. Guided tissue regeneration can be used in combination with bone grafting in socket preservation in cases where there is a bone defect associated with the extracted tooth, such as a lost or fractured wall during extraction. This large bone defect necessitates the use of a membrane to promote bone growth and prevent fibrous ingrowth in the empty socket.

There are two types of membranes: resorbable and non-resorbable membranes. Resorbable membranes have the advantage of eliminating the need for a second surgery for retrieval.

If our dental expert decides to use a membrane, the extraction plan will change because a flap is required to insert the membrane. The membrane is used to cover the defective bone wall and the bone graft to prevent soft tissue ingrowth during healing and prevent washing away or displacement of the bone graft material.

What Is the Difference Between Socket Preservation and Bone Graft Procedure?

Socket preservation and bone grafting are both dental procedures related to the jawbone, serving different purposes and implemented at different times. Socket preservation is a dental procedure performed during tooth extraction where a bone graft is inserted inside the empty socket, aiming to prevent bone resorption during healing to provide support for the dental implant during insertion.  Bone grafting is a more invasive procedure performed in an edentulous area where bone resorption has already taken place to augment the resorbed area, allowing for the insertion of dental implants.

Recovery after Socket Preservation

Only a slight pain or discomfort may occur following socket preservation for a few days. Your doctor will prescribe painkillers to reduce the discomfort. The following tips may help you achieve a fast and successful recovery:

• Take a day to rest at home and elevate your head during sleep.
• Avoid drinking from a straw, spitting, blowing your nose, and spitting.
• Do not vigorously rinse your mouth on the same day as the procedure.
• Refrain from smoking and alcohol for three days after surgery.
• Continue brushing and flossing your teeth as usual, but avoid touching the extraction site.
• On the next day, use warm saline mouthwash to reduce inflammation.

If the pain persists or worsens, or in case you experience any unusual conditions after a tooth extraction, consult your doctor immediately. Socket preservation is a simple procedure that grants you a successful restoration in the future after extraction. Not all extraction cases require socket preservation. Consult your dentist to determine if you need one.

Risks And Complications of Socket Preservation

Socket preservation is a safe procedure; however, like any other surgical procedure, it may involve some rare risks and complications related to the extraction technique or the materials used for socket preservation, such as:

• Pain and discomfort
• Infection
• Persistent bleeding and swelling
• Delayed healing
• Bone graft rejection
• Allergic reaction to bone graft material

To minimise your chances of developing any complications, choose a professional dentist, follow the recovery instructions, and schedule regular check-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery. Camden High Street Dental Practice is a leading dental clinic in London, offering efficient socket preservation with a high patient satisfaction rate.

Book Your Socket Preservation Consultation Today

Socket preservation is a simple procedure that grants you a successful restoration in the future after extraction. Not all extraction cases require socket preservation. Confused? Contact us today at 02073886108 or  book online now 24/7 to schedule a socket preservation consultation.