Preserving the jaw bone after the extraction of teeth

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Sometimes, extraction is the most efficient way of treating pain, infection, bone loss, or fracture of the tooth. However, after the tooth is extracted, the special type of bone that exists solely to support the teeth can quickly degenerate. Without any preventive measures taken, the jaw bone can lose 30 to 60 percent of its volume within six months after the extraction.

The socket can also get damaged by disease and infection, which results in deformity of the jaw. The shrinking that happens after the extraction leads to unsightly defects and collapse of the lips and cheeks.

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Jaw defects also present problems in restorative dentistry, whether the treatment involves dental implants, bridges, or dentures. To prevent these from happening, patients can undergo a procedure called socket preservation, which can help maintain their smile’s appearance and improve their chances for success with dental implants in the future. 

There are many techniques that may be used to preserve the bone and prevent as much bone loss as possible . One common method involves filling the socket with bone or a bone substitute. Afterward, it is covered with gum, an artificial membrane, or tissue that stimulates proteins that would help the socket to heal naturally. 

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With the socket healing, shrinkage and collapse of the surrounding gum and facial tissues is effectively prevented. The newly formed bone, meanwhile, provides the foundation for an implant to replace the tooth.

Dr. John Pasqual is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Find more resources on dental procedures on this Twitter page.