Tooth Extractions and Bone Socket Grafting

Occasionally a tooth is so badly damaged that it cannot be repaired and must be removed.  After we discuss your options, anesthetic will be provided to make the area numb.  Our goal is “no pain” during the procedure and minimal if any discomfort afterwards.  When a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone typically collapses inward over time.  The bone loss continues over time and can be quite dramatic.  A bone graft at the time of tooth removal will help preserve the bone and make future tooth replacement easier and better looking.

 

The bone grafting material consists of sterilized freeze dried human bone.  It is placed into the tooth socket at the time of extraction and a membrane is sutured over top to hold it in place.  The sutures remain for one month, and the graft site requires a few months to heal and reform new bone.  Results are routinely quite good, and the site is typically ready for a permanent tooth replacement in 3 to 4 months.