When a tooth is extracted, it leaves behind an open socket. The gum tissue will heal and eventually cover the socket. However, the bone tissue that once supported the extracted tooth won’t expand. It tends to shrink instead, which compromises the support for the jaw and nearby teeth.
If you plan to have an implant placed after a tooth extraction, you’ll likely need to undergo bone grafting. Here, we’ll discuss the importance of bone grafting after tooth removal and the grafting options that we offer at Dental Implant Solutionz.
The Importance of Bone Grafting After Extractions
There are several reasons why bone grafting after a tooth extraction is beneficial, including:
- Bone grafting ensures that there’s enough bone tissue at the extraction site to prevent bone resorption (shrinkage). Bone resorption can cause structural and aesthetic issues.
- Grafting provides added support that’s required to place a dental implant. The bone must have a certain density for an implant to be effectively placed.
- Bone grafting prevents damage to the surrounding teeth, as well as jawbone deterioration.
Bone Grafting Options
There are multiple approaches to bone grafting after extractions, including:
- Conventional bone grafts and sinus lifts
Immediately after an extraction, your dentist may place bone graft material directly into the socket. Then, your dentist can close the extraction site and the bone graft will integrate over time.
A sinus lift is performed to augment bone density after a tooth extraction from the upper jaw. In this procedure, your dentist will place bone graft material between the bone and sinus membrane. The bone graft material will eventually integrate into the upper jawbone.
- Autogenous dentin grafting
Autogenous dentin grafting is considered an excellent bone grafting alternative. With this method, the extracted tooth is used for bone grafting using the innovative Smart Dentin Grinder. This tool transforms the extracted tooth into an autologous graft within just 15 minutes.
To learn more about bone grafting, including the autogenous dentin grafting method, schedule an appointment at Dental Implant Solutionz today.
