Dr O Dadashian
When a tooth needs to be removed but you're not ready for an implant right away, there's an important option you should know about: Alveolar Ridge Preservation. This technique can help maintain your jaw bone structure until you're ready for permanent tooth replacement. Let's break down what this means for you in simple terms.
Understanding What Happens After Tooth Extraction
When a tooth is removed, your jaw bone doesn't just stay the same. Research shows that without any intervention:
• The width of your jaw bone can shrink by up to 2.7mm
• The height can decrease by about 1.7mm
• These changes happen mostly in the first three months
• Back teeth (molars) typically show even more bone loss
Why Does This Matter?
Think of your jaw bone like the foundation of a house. When part of the foundation weakens, it affects the whole structure. When you lose bone after tooth extraction:
• It becomes harder to place dental implants later
• Your facial appearance might change
• Neighbouring teeth can become less stable
• Future dental work becomes more complicated
What is Alveolar Ridge Preservation?
This is a preventive technique performed right after tooth extraction. Your dentist places special bone grafting material in the socket where your tooth was removed. Think of it like putting a scaffolding in the space to maintain its shape and structure.
How Does It Work?
1. Immediately after tooth extraction, the socket is carefully cleaned
2. Bone grafting material (usually from natural sources) is placed in the socket
3. A special membrane might be used to cover the area
4. Your natural healing process takes over, but now with support
The Benefits of Preservation
Recent studies show impressive results:
• Nearly 2mm less bone loss in width
• Up to 2.27mm less bone loss in height
• Better maintenance of the overall ridge shape
• Improved outcomes for future implant placement
When Should You Consider This Option?
Alveolar ridge preservation is particularly valuable when:
• You need time before getting an implant
• You're unsure about future treatment options
• You want to maintain optimal conditions for future dental work in Croydon
• You're concerned about facial appearance changes
The Long-Term Advantage
Think of alveolar ridge preservation as an investment in your dental future. Research shows that preserved sites:
• Maintain better bone quality
• Require less additional bone grafting later
• Provide better conditions for implant placement
• Help maintain facial aesthetics
Making Your Decision
While not everyone needs ridge preservation, it's particularly important if:
• You're planning on getting an implant in the future
• The extracted tooth is in a visible area
• You have concerns about bone loss
• You want to keep your options open for future treatment
Remember, while this procedure adds a step to your tooth extraction, it can save time, money, and additional procedures in the future.
The Bottom Line
Alveolar ridge preservation is like pressing the pause button on bone loss after tooth extraction. While it can't completely stop natural changes, it significantly reduces them, giving you better options for future dental work.
References:
1. Couso-Queiruga E, Stuhr S, Tattan M, Chambrone L, Avila-Ortiz G. Post-extraction dimensional changes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Periodontol. 2021;48(1):126-144.
2. Gaddale R, Chowdhary R, Mishra SK, Sagar K. Soft and hard tissue changes following immediate implant placement and immediate loading in aesthetic zone. Evid Based Dent. 2024. 3. Apaza-Bedoya K, Magrin GL, Romandini M, Blanco-Carrión J, Benfatti CAM. Efficacy of alveolar ridge preservation with xenografts and resorbable socket sealing materials in the esthetic region. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2024;26(1):4-14.
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