Socket Preservation in Caldwell and Florham Park, NJ

Preserving Your Jaw Bone after Extraction

Tooth extraction becomes necessary due to pain, infection, bone loss, or 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 the 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. Fortunately, at NJ Center for Oral Surgery, jaw deformities from tooth removal can be prevented and repaired with a procedure called socket preservation.

What Is Socket Preservation?

Socket preservation refers to several methods of preserving the bone and minimizing bone loss after an extraction. It can greatly improve your smile’s appearance and increase your chances of successful implant placement. 

One common method of socket preservation involves removing the tooth and filling the socket with bone or bone substitute, which encourages your body’s natural ability to heal the damage. Using this method eliminates shrinkage and prevents the 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 dentist has recommended tooth removal, be sure to ask for socket preservation.

Benefits of Socket Preservation

There are many benefits when it comes to receiving socket preservation, including:

  • Bone preservation
  • Protection of adjacent teeth
  • Reduces postoperative bleeding and discomfort
  • Reduces risk for dry socket
  • Promotes faster healing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between socket preservation and bone grafting?

Socket preservation protects the bone you already have. It’s a conservative, predictable procedure that takes advantage of the body’s natural healing properties following tooth removal. 

On the other hand, bone grafting procedures replace bone that has already been lost due to infection, trauma, cysts, tumors, or disuse atrophy. Although predictable, bone grafting procedures are more invasive, time-consuming, and carry additional risks.

What happens if I don’t get socket preservation?

If a socket is left untreated, the moment your jawbone begins to deteriorate, the neighboring mouth tissues will be affected. This can cause your teeth to shift in unpredictable ways and the gaps left by the extraction could become bigger.

Not only does an unprotected socket give you visible gaps in your smile, but it can also cause serious health issues such as:

  • Inability to eat and chew properly
  • Increased risk of oral infection
  • Increased risk of cavities
  • Increased risk of gum disease

Protect Your Oral Health Today

You don’t have to live with an unprotected socket any longer. At NJ Center for Oral Surgery, we’re here to protect your oral health from infections and jawbone deterioration. To get started on your socket preservation procedure, schedule your consultation at our Caldwell office by dialing NJ Center for Oral Surgery Phone Number 973-226-8444 or our Florham Park office at Florham Park Office (North Tower) Phone Number 973-261-8444 today!

Learn More About Socket Preservation