Losing a tooth affects more than just your smile; it can lead to changes in the jawbone that support your facial structure. Ridge preservation is a preventive treatment offered by Dentistry of Hockessin that helps maintain bone volume after a tooth extraction. This process keeps your options open for future restorations like implants or dentures. Call today to schedule a consultation in Hockessin, DE, and protect your smile’s foundation.
Protecting Your Smile With Ridge Preservation
After a tooth is removed, the jawbone that once supported it can begin to shrink and lose its natural shape. Ridge preservation fills the empty socket with biocompatible grafting material to support natural healing and maintain the bone’s form. This treatment preserves both the appearance and function of your smile.
- Protects jawbone structure: Helps prevent the bone loss that typically follows tooth extraction, preserving your facial contour.
- Maintains facial symmetry: Prevents the sunken appearance that can develop when bone diminishes.
- Supports surrounding teeth: Helps reduce the risk of shifting or misalignment caused by the empty space.
- Encourages tissue regeneration: Promotes healing of both bone and gum tissues at the extraction site.
How Ridge Preservation Prepares For Future Implants
If you plan on dental implants, ridge preservation provides a strong and stable foundation for successful placement. It maintains the height and width of your jawbone to secure the implant firmly. Without ridge preservation, additional bone grafting may be necessary, which can prolong treatment.
- Ensures implant readiness: Preserves necessary bone volume to support implant integration.
- Reduces additional surgeries: Minimizes the need for complex bone grafting later on.
- Improves implant longevity: Creates a durable base that supports lasting implant results.
- Simplifies treatment timeline: Helps keep your restoration plan more efficient and predictable.
Benefits Of Preserving The Extraction Site
Even if you’re undecided about implants, ridge preservation offers lasting oral health advantages. Maintaining bone and gum tissue helps keep your smile functional and attractive while reducing the risk of complications. This approach supports both your dental health and natural appearance.
- Slows bone loss: Slows the natural resorption process that begins after tooth loss.
- Preserves tooth alignment: Helps keep neighboring teeth from drifting into the empty space.
- Enhances restoration fit: Creates better support for dentures, bridges, or implants in the future.
- Maintains natural contours: Supports the shape of your gums and jaw for a fuller, healthier look.
What To Expect During Ridge Preservation
This procedure typically occurs immediately after tooth extraction while the socket is still accessible. Your dental care provider will place biocompatible grafting material into the empty socket to encourage healing and maintain bone volume. Most patients experience a smooth recovery with straightforward care instructions.
- Efficient procedure: Performed directly after extraction, adding minimal time to your appointment.
- Comfort-focused: Local anesthesia helps keep you relaxed throughout the treatment.
- Quick recovery: Most patients return to normal activities quickly with minimal discomfort.
- Follow-up care: Scheduled visits ensure the graft is healing well and bone regeneration is progressing.
Keep Your Smile Whole, Protect Your Future
The jawbone is vital for the health, function, and appearance of your smile. Ridge preservation protects this foundation and prepares you for successful restorations in the future. Dr. Brink and the team provide expert, compassionate care in Hockessin, DE, to keep your smile strong. Call today to take the next step toward lasting oral health and renewed confidence.
