Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Services
Over a period of time, the jaw bone associated with missing teeth atrophies and undergoes resorption. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for the placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for the placement of dental implants.
With bone grafting we now have the opportunity to not only replace bone where it is
missing, but we also have the ability to promote new bone growth in that location. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.
Removal of teeth is sometimes necessary because of pain, infection, bone loss, or due to a fracture in the tooth. The bone that holds the tooth in place (the socket) is often damaged by disease and/or infection, resulting in a deformity of the jaw after the tooth is extracted. In addition, when teeth are extracted the surrounding bone and gums can shrink and recede very quickly, resulting in unsightly defects and a collapse of the lips and cheeks.
These jaw defects can create major problems in performing restorative dentistry
whether your treatment involves dental implants, bridges, or dentures. Jaw deformities from tooth removal can be prevented and repaired by a procedure called socket preservation. Socket preservation can greatly improve your smile’s appearance and increase your chances for successful dental implants.
Several techniques can be used to preserve the bone and minimize bone loss after an extraction. In one common method, the tooth is removed and the socket is filled with bone or bone substitute. It is then covered with gum, artificial membrane, or tissue, which encourages your body’s natural ability to repair the socket. With this method, the socket heals, eliminating shrinkage and collapse of the surrounding gum and facial tissues. The newly formed bone in the socket also provides a foundation for an implant to replace the tooth. If your surgeon has recommended tooth removal, be sure to ask if socket preservation is necessary. This is particularly important if you are planning on replacing the front teeth.
After tooth extraction, if the walls of the socket are very thick, they will usually fill naturally with bone in two to three months. However, when the walls of your socket are very thin (such as in your upper and lower front teeth), this type of healing will not be as predictable. In these situations, a bone graft is often placed at the time of tooth extraction to help your body fill in the empty socket with bone. This step will maintain the width and volume of bone you will need for implant placement several months later.
There may be inadequate bone for implant placement if your tooth was removed many years ago and your bony ridge is extremely thin. In this case, a bone graft can be placed next to the thin bone and allowed to heal for up to six months. After the graft has fused to your pre-existing bone, the ridge will be re-entered and the implant placed. Bone grafting is usually a relatively comfortable office procedure. Many different bone-grafting materials are available, including your own bone.
You may also need bone grafting if the sinus cavities in your upper jaw are very large, or very low, and extend into the tooth-bearing areas. This often occurs when teeth in the back of a person’s upper jaw have been removed many years before, and the amount of bone available for implant placement is limited. A “sinus grafting procedure” is then required. Most often, it is performed in the office with local anesthesia and perhaps sedation. During this procedure, the membrane that lines the sinus will be located and elevated. Bone will then be added to restore the bone height and ensure that dental implants of an adequate length can be placed. This procedure often can be performed at the time of implant placement.
Tooth extractions may be necessary if you experience severe pain, persistent infections, or damage that cannot be repaired. A consultation with Dr. Ferrara will determine the best course of action based on your oral health.
No, the extraction process is not painful. Local anesthesia and sedation options ensure a pain-free procedure. Some discomfort may be experienced during recovery, but this can be managed with prescribed pain medications.
Recovery typically takes 3-5 days for most patients. Swelling and tenderness may persist for up to a week. Following post-operative care instructions will help ensure a smooth recovery.
Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and applesauce are recommended for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid hard, crunchy, or hot foods to prevent irritation at the extraction site. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as you heal.
No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, our surgeons and teams are here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps to better smiles.
Take some time to learn more about the services we provide at Southern Oral Surgery. When you are ready to schedule an appointment with our surgeons, contact our dental offices in Fayetteville and Griffin.
We understand that Oral and Facial Surgery is a daunting treatment recommendation. That’s why we’re committed to your comfort. Rest assured our team is well equipped to handle every patient’s case. We offer a full range of oral and facial surgery procedures and care. We offer but are not limited to the following procedures: wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, dental extractions, bone grafting, oral pathology, and maxillofacial trauma. Contact our team with any questions you have, we’ll be happy to help.
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