Extractions and Ridge Preservation Oak Brook IL

When a tooth is extracted an empty socket remains, in order to preserve the bone, reduce bleeding and expedite healing a socket graft is placed at the time of surgery. It has been shown that after extractions if bone grafting is not performed 40 to 60 percent of bone may be lost. Socket grafting and ridge preservation also aids in delaying facial aging lines from around lips. This maintaining of bone, opens a variety of restorative options as well as less bulky partials and dentures.

Careful management of extraction sockets after tooth extraction prevents unsightly bone loss and provides a better cosmetic outcome for tooth replacement. As well, the bone at extraction socket should be preserved and enhanced to allow for predictable dental implant placement, should it be needed immediately or in the future. The management involves placing bone into the tooth socket at the time of extraction, then covering that area with a collagen "membrane" to protect the bone underneath. The area needs to heal two to six months, depending on the size of the socket. The additional expense of this step is worth it to prevent defects from occurring and the additional need of bone repair procedures in the future, which are more costly and extensive.