After a tooth extraction, there are dramatic and rapid changes to the tooth socket (bone) anatomy. To prevent bone resorption after extraction, we suggest the socket be filled with a material (socket bone graft) that reduces gum shrinkage or the socket be isolated with a membrane that prevents gum downgrowth. (See Guided Tissue Regeneration).This is particularly important if the tooth extracted is going to be replaced with an implant, bridge or partial denture.
Depending on the situation, socket bone grafting can be done with several different bone graft materials and resorbalbe membrane.
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| Initial. |
Atraumatic extraction of a hopeless maxillary central incisor (#9). |
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| Bone graft placed into socket to prevent bone resorption. |
Barrier collagen membrane to help contain bone graft during healing. |
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| Original tooth sectioned, modified, & replaced back onto the orthodontic arch wire to provide patient with immediate natural replacement strategy for interim. |
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Click here for more information on treating extraction sites from the American Academy of Periodontology Consumer Page.