Dental ridge preservation is a way to preserve the socket after a missing tooth develops. Dental implants require adequate bone support, and bone loss can occur after losing a tooth if the bone density is not preserved. This review offers insights into the purpose of dental ridge preservation as it relates to dental implants treatment.
Ridge preservation may prevent the need for a bone graft procedure after tooth extraction or tooth loss, particularly if the patient plans to replace the tooth (or teeth) with dental implants. The following is everything to know about dental ridge preservation and dental implants after a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth.
Dental ridge preservation, also called socket preservation or a ridge augmentation, reduces the impact of bone loss after tooth extraction or tooth loss. Bone loss can occur after a tooth extraction if the socket is not preserved. This is particularly an issue if the patient plans to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant, dental bridge or denture. If the bone loss occurs, there may not be enough healthy bone to support an implant, leading to implant failure. Fitting a bridge or denture could become a concern as well without dental ridge preservation.
As mentioned, dental ridge preservation is an important step if the patient plans to replace one or more extracted or missing teeth with a dental implant. Dental ridge preservation involves filling the socket with bone or an artificial replacement substance to prevent bone loss inside the jaw. With dental ridge preservation, the patient can often jump straight into the dental implants placement process, whereas a loss of bone in the jaw may lead to a need for more extensive treatment (see below).
Without dental ridge preservation, the likelihood of significant bone loss inside the jaw is greater. If bone loss does occur, then the risk of a failed dental implant also increases. Patients who lose too much bone after tooth loss require a bone grafting procedure to replace the missing jawbone before the dental implants procedure. While it is safe, bone grafting is more invasive and makes the dental implants process take longer.
The dental implants process after dental ridge preservation or bone grafting (when necessary) involves a minor surgery to place the dental implants, followed by a healing period where the implant fuses with the jawbone. Once the mouth is healed, the abutment and artificial tooth are placed to complete the restoration process, and the patient can enjoy their new smile for years to come.
Contact our dental team by phone or email to arrange a consultation visit if you have any dental concerns or would like to learn more about dental ridge preservation or dental implants. We are experienced and take pride in helping our patients improve the oral health and appearance of their teeth and smile.
Request an appointment here: https://www.cosmeticdentistoffice.com or call Rachel Cole DDS PC at (503) 248-1114 for an appointment in our Portland office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Portland, OR.
Choosing dental implants is something many people are doing nowadays, as this tooth replacement option is one that offers benefits that no other replacement option can. According to WebMD, there are many advantages to dental implants, including improved appearance, improved speech, improved comfort, improved self-esteem, improved oral health, easier eating increased durability and convenience.Learning how…
Thinking about choosing dental implants to replace your missing teeth? The reason behind missing one or more of your teeth does not matter. What matters is that you select a tooth replacement option as soon as possible as your mouth is designed to function with a full set of teeth. The longer you wait, the…
When considering dental implants, you need to know that they are one of the most modern and revolutionary ways to replace missing teeth. The sad part is that tooth loss is ageless and can occur for anyone at any stage in life. Young people are just as likely to lose a tooth if they are active…
If you are wearing dentures, dental implants are an alternative solution that look and feel like natural teeth. While dentures are practical and provide patients with the appearance of a full set of teeth, they never feel quite natural. Implants, on the other hand, feel the same as the rest of your teeth so there…
CEREC® technology allows dentists to make dental restorations onsite, eliminating the need for multiple appointments to get restorations placed on teeth. The acronym stands for the Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, and it involves sending data to a CEREC machine that makes restorations in as little as 20 minutes.The traditional way of getting a…
If you have dental issues that have made you less confident in your smile, you should consider consulting with a restorative dentist. The dentist will evaluate your smile and let you know how to restore the look of your teeth and, ultimately, your confidence in your smile. Continue reading to find out what restorative dental…