Bone Grafting Aids in Socket Preservation after Tooth Loss

While no one wants to experience adult tooth loss, few realize just how serious the loss of even a single tooth can be. The teeth share a common foundation of gums and jaw bone, both of which are reliant on the health of the teeth. In order to preserve oral health after tooth loss has occurred, it is important to replace the missing tooth. However, if the tooth has been missing for an extended amount of time, bone grafting to strengthen and rebuild the jaw may first be necessary. Dr. Andrew R. Glenn offers our Lincoln patients socket preservation after tooth loss to avoid the loss of significant jaw bone tissue and allow for restorative dental treatment to replace the missing tooth or teeth.

Tooth Loss and Bone Deterioration

When adult tooth loss occurs, the strength and health of the jaw bone becomes compromised. To stay strong and healthy, the jaw bone must receive adequate nutrients and minerals. These are delivered to the jaw bone through blood flow to the area. Blood flow is stimulated when pressure is applied to the tooth roots, such as when a patients chews or bites. If a tooth is lost, its roots are lost as well, meaning there is nothing to stimulate healthy blood flow to the area beneath the missing tooth. Without treatment, or replacement of the tooth, the jaw bone beneath the missing tooth will begin to weaken and deteriorate. Eventually, the problem may spread and could lead to further tooth loss or other oral health complications. To avoid these complications and preserve a patient’s overall oral health, it is important to preserve the tooth socket after tooth loss has occurred.

Socket Preservation

If tooth loss is addressed right away, a dentist can preserve the socket, gums, and jaw bone, avoiding any significant deterioration. However, if left untreated, the strength of the jaw could become compromised, making it difficult to replace the missing tooth once treatment is finally sought. To preserve the tooth socket, maintain the strength of the jaw, and allow for tooth replacement, Dr. Glenn offers patients socket preservation treatment. Socket preservation involves the placement of a small piece of bone or fabricated bone substitute in the empty pocket where tooth loss has occurred. This piece of bone is then covered with gum tissue or proteins that will stimulate repair and the growth of healthy, new tissue. This strengthens the pocket, repairs any damage that has occurred, and prepares the gums and jaw for restorative treatment (ideally in the form of dental implants) to replace tooth loss.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have experienced tooth loss, it is important to address the problem right away. The sooner that tooth loss is treated, the greater chance of avoiding additional oral health problems. Dr. Glenn can provide patients with the treatment they require, whether that be restorative dental care, socket preservation, or bone grafting. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to learn how we can help you preserve the strength of your smile. We look forward to hearing from you!

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