Alveolar Socket Preservation: A Must-Know for Effective Tooth Replacement Strategies

What is Alveolar Socket Preservation?

Alveolar Socket preservation is a form of bone grafting surgery used to protect the alveolar ridge and empty tooth socket from degenerating while also providing a more robust support structure for the dental implant that will be placed as planned. 

Why Save The Socket After Tooth Extraction?

The socket must be safeguarded to prevent the formation of a dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot shielding the healing area dislodges for whatever cause, exposing the nerve beneath it. Preserving the socket also protects the alveolar bone, a strip of the bone surrounding the roots of the teeth to which they are linked. If the socket is not preserved, it distorts the alveolar ridge, making it impossible to replace teeth with a dental implant. The dentist near you will need to make sure that there is enough bone to replace the pulled tooth in the future.

What Is the Purpose of Socket Preservation?

According to the American Dental Association Journal, the bone that supported the excised tooth to resorb following the extraction is typical for the bone. As the bone deteriorates, gaps between the teeth occur, causing the teeth to shift out of alignment. For this reason, the dentist recommends socket preservation at the same time as the tooth extraction treatment.

The method for preserving a socket or alveolar ridge entails inserting a bone graft into the socket where the tooth was previously located. The transplant can be constructed of synthetic materials such as animal or human bone. After inserting the graft into the socket, the dentist will usually cover it with a collagen membrane before closing the incision.

Is Socket Preservation Necessary?

The goal of conserving the socket is to improve the appearance of the remaining teeth and gums and make the process of having a dental implant in the future as simple as possible. When contacted for tooth extractions, not every dentist offers this technique because many clinics do not believe socket preservation to be necessary or desirable.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants, public opinion on preserving the alveolar ridge is changing. The researchers have determined that socket preservation prevents vertical and horizontal abnormalities in the alveolar ridge at the extraction site. If you are interested in this surgery, it is worthwhile to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of socket preservation with Dr. Adatrow. He will provide you with the appropriate information and guidance.

How Should You Take Care of Your Sockets?

After having a tooth pulled, you need care for the area around the socket to protect your gum line and improve your comfort during the healing process. The dentist may advise you not to clean your teeth with an extra-soft toothbrush for at least 24-48 hours after the extraction. To prevent the clot from dislodging, Dr. Adatrow will advise you to avoid activities that can cause additional pressure in your mouth, such as smoking or using a straw following the extraction. These substances are similar to hard foods and can disrupt the blood clot leading to the formation of a condition called alveolar osteitis (dry socket).

You should consult with your dentist, if you are worried about dry socket. If you are experiencing significant bleeding or severe discomfort, the dentist can advise you on what you should do. Tooth extraction and alveolar ridge preservation are straightforward procedures. However, if you want to heal without a hitch, you must strictly adhere to the dentist’s recommendations. Socket preservation can be beneficial after tooth extraction, especially if you intend to replace the extracted teeth.

What if my dentist does not utilize socket preservation?

If you skip this stage and do not immediately place a dental implant, your teeth can and will migrate in unanticipated ways. When the jawbone begins to weaken, the surrounding oral tissues suffer. Teeth can shift and migrate in any direction as a result of this. You can end up with minor gaps that grow into larger ones, or you can go from having no gaps to having apparent gaps in your teeth.

While your mouth and smile are significant, jawbone degradation and tooth mobility in the jaw and gums can cause long-term health problems. These result in an inability to bite and chew food effectively, as well as an increased risk of cavities and/or gingivitis because gaps between teeth or crooked teeth allow bacteria to lodge.