Ridge Preservation
Healthy Bone Provides A Foundation For a Healthy Smile.

Learn more about our Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Ridge Preservation service below…

What is Ridge Preservation?

Soft tissue and bone can begin to collapse when one or more teeth are extracted from the mouth. The surrounding jawbone will often begin to deteriorate shortly following the loss of a tooth. This is because the root of the tooth is no longer there to stimulate it. It may be impossible to place dental implants if there has been significant bone loss. This can become more expensive, time consuming, and invasive should the need be to replace lost bone. As its form is supported by the contour of the underlying bone, the loss of that bone can lead to depressions or unevenness within the ridge. Ridge (or socket) preservation is a type of bone grafting procedure that rebuilds and stabilizes bone where an extraction has left an empty socket. It is recommended to have a ridge preservation procedure performed at the time of an extraction, as it helps to promote the esthetics of the ridge and avoid bony defects.

Procedure

Ridge preservation procedures typically begin with the removal of the tooth. The doctor will perform the extraction carefully so as to not disturb existing bone in the socket. Next, the doctor will place a specialized bone grafting product. This product can be an autogenous graft, allograft, or alloplast or xenograft material. The bone grafting material is designed to replace bone and stimulate bone growth in the socket. After it has been placed, the grafting material will be stabilized with sutures and possibly a collagen membrane. Healing time is approximately three to five months before a dental implant can be placed.

The Benefits

Ridge preservation can potentially minimize the amount of bone loss that occurs after the removal of one or more teeth. Leaving the socket empty after an extraction can likely to lead to deteriorating bone in the jaw, making it more difficult to place an implant later. This procedure is designed to prevent the collapsing of bone and soft tissue in the sockets.atients are often interested in having a dental implant procedure. Click on the following link to learn more about our dental implant services.

What A Difference A Confident Smile Can Make.