Socket Preservation
Socket Preservation Procedure in Conway, SC
At Rollar Oral Surgery, we perform socket preservation procedures in Conway, SC to protect your jawbone following a tooth extraction. When a tooth is removed due to pain, infection, bone loss, or fracture, the surrounding bone and gum tissue can quickly shrink and recede. This can lead to jaw deformities, as well as changes in the appearance of your lips and cheeks. Socket preservation helps prevent these issues, ensuring a healthier, more stable foundation for your smile.
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The Importance of Socket Preservation
Jaw defects can make restorative dentistry challenging, whether your treatment involves getting dental implants, bridges, or dentures. Fortunately, socket preservation can help prevent and even repair these issues caused by tooth loss. By preserving the natural shape of your jaw, this technique not only enhances your smile but also boosts the long-term success of dental implants. It’s a simple procedure that can improve your health and confidence.
Techniques Used to Minimize Bone Loss
Several techniques can be used to minimize bone loss after an extraction. One effective approach is socket preservation. After the tooth is removed, the socket is filled with bone material or a bone substitute, which is then covered with gum tissue, a specialized membrane, or proteins that stimulate healing, encouraging your body to rebuild the area naturally. This process not only helps maintain the shape of the gums and facial structure but also creates a strong foundation for a future dental implant.
Symptoms That May Require Socket Preservation
- Severe tooth decay that can’t be restored
- Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) causing tooth loosening
- Chronic tooth pain or sensitivity not resolved with other treatments
- Infection or abscess at the root of a tooth
- Fractured or broken tooth below the gumline
- Loose teeth due to bone loss or trauma
- Bone loss visible on dental X-rays
- Missing or extracted teeth with plans for dental implants
- Facial changes or sunken appearance near missing teeth
- Shifting of nearby teeth after a recent extraction
- Recurring swelling or pus around a tooth
- Pain when biting or chewing in a specific area
- Gaps forming between teeth due to bone loss
- Jaw soreness in areas with missing teeth
- Difficulty wearing partials or dentures due to gum or bone changes
These symptoms often signal the need for tooth extraction and bone preservation to avoid further complications. Socket preservation performed by a board-certified oral surgeon can help keep the jawbone healthy and maintain options for future tooth replacement.
Conditions That May Require Socket Preservation
- Tooth extraction due to advanced decay or damage
- Periodontal disease (gum disease) causing bone and tooth loss
- Dental abscess requiring removal of the affected tooth
- Severe dental trauma (such as a cracked or avulsed tooth)
- Failed root canal or re-treatment leading to tooth removal
- Non-restorable fractured tooth (especially below the gumline)
- Congenital absence of teeth with underdeveloped jawbone
- Chronic infections at the root or surrounding bone
- Osteoporosis or other bone-thinning disorders affecting the jaw
- Aggressive tooth wear or erosion leading to tooth instability
- Impacted teeth that must be surgically removed
- Planned dental implant placement in the near future
- Multiple extractions in one area of the mouth
- Cysts or tumors in the jaw requiring tooth removal
- Sinus lift preparation for upper molars or premolars
Empowering Patients Through Education
Informed Consent & Oral Surgery VideosAt Rollar Oral Surgery we’re dedicated to providing the best oral surgery experience and part of that means upholding the highest ethical standards. As part of this commitment, we offer a comprehensive Patient Library.
In our Patient Library you will find special videos designed to promote transparency, reduce anxiety and ensure every patient feels confident and well-informed before treatment.
If your dentist has recommended a tooth extraction, it’s worth discussing whether socket preservation is right for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.