Prevent Jawbone Atrophy with Socket Preservation
Following the loss of a tooth, the supportive bone will naturally be reabsorbed into the body. For patients interested in having dental implants placed, insufficient jawbone density can lead to loss of candidacy for dental implant placement. Socket preservation, also known as alveolar ridge preservation, is commonly performed to prevent jawbone atrophy following tooth extraction. Dr. Victor R. Siegel, who has over 30 years of dental experience, performs socket preservation for patients in and around Rockville, MD. Once the procedure is complete, patients can begin making plans to enjoy the many life-changing benefits of dental implants.
Who Is a Candidate for Socket Preservation?
Any patient who has one or more permanent teeth extracted at our dental practice is a potential candidate for socket preservation. The procedure is proven to preserve jawbone tissue while lowering the risk of complications following dental implant placement. There are no age restrictions for this restorative procedure. Individuals over the age of 60 may especially benefit from this procedure due to the fact that jawbone density tends to lower with age. If you are planning to undergo a tooth extraction, Dr. Siegel will conduct an oral examination that may include x-rays or other forms of imaging before recommending socket preservation.
What Are the Benefits of Socket Preservation?
Our Rockville, MD, dental practice offers socket preservation due to the many oral health benefits the procedure provides. Socket preservation can:
- Prevent shifting teeth and further tooth loss
- Preserve your mouth’s natural occlusion
- Preserve bone tissue ahead of dental implant placement
- Prevent the sunken look that affects patients suffering from tooth loss
- Lower the risk of complications following dental implant placement
- Improve oral health
- Preserve the youthful appearance of your gums and cheeks
- Reduce the risk of developing dry socket
Understanding the Procedure
Socket preservation is performed using local anesthesia. When the treatment is completed immediately following a tooth extraction, the area will still be under the effect of anesthesia. Our practice offers oral conscious sedation in addition to anesthesia to help patients feel comfortable throughout treatment. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Siegel will expose and clean the treatment area before inserting a membrane that will isolate the treatment area. This step ensures that nearby gum tissue does not interfere with the jawbone’s absorption of the grafting material.
Socket preservation treatment improves oral health while helping to pave the way for the life-changing benefits of dental implants.
The membrane, which is typically made from a synthetic material or animal-derived collagen, also aids in the prevention of bacterial infections. Once the membrane is in place, a bone graft will be placed in the socket. Before your procedure, Dr. Siegel will work with you to determine the best source for the bone graft, which can be natural or synthetic. Full healing from socket preservation can take a few months. Dr. Siegel will monitor your progress before scheduling your dental implant surgery.
Take the First Step in Preventing Jaw Atrophy
Dr. Victor R. Siegel will be glad to answer all of your questions regarding socket preservation. The treatment improves oral health while helping to pave the way for the life-changing benefits of dental implants. If you have concerns about the affordability of any of our treatments, our office accepts CareCredit® financing and offers interest-free payment plans. To schedule your socket preservation treatment, contact our dental team online or call (301) 963-4330.
