Tooth Extraction in Hickory, NC & Ridge Preservation
When a tooth cannot be predictably saved, careful removal of the tooth and preservation of the surrounding bone can help protect your oral health and prepare the area for future treatment.
At Hickory Periodontics, Dr. Tate Weller provides tooth extractions and ridge preservation for patients from Hickory, Conover, Newton, and surrounding Catawba County communities. When appropriate, bone grafting can be performed at the time of extraction to help preserve the shape and volume of the jawbone, particularly when a dental implant may be considered in the future.
When Does a Tooth Need to Be Extracted?
Preserving your natural teeth is generally the goal whenever they can be predictably maintained. However, there are situations in which removing a tooth may be the healthiest long-term option.
A tooth may need to be extracted because of:
- Severe periodontal disease and loss of bone support
- A fracture or damage that cannot be predictably restored
- Extensive decay
- Infection
- Significant tooth mobility
- A failed or non-restorable tooth
- Treatment planning that requires removal before future tooth replacement
Dr. Weller will evaluate the tooth, surrounding gum tissue, and supporting bone before recommending extraction. When appropriate, he will also discuss options for preserving the site and planning for future tooth replacement.
What Is Ridge Preservation?
Ridge preservation, sometimes called socket preservation, is a bone grafting procedure performed at the time a tooth is removed.
After an extraction, the socket that previously held the tooth begins to heal. As part of the natural healing process, the surrounding jawbone can change in shape and decrease in volume.
During ridge preservation, bone grafting material is placed into the extraction site to help maintain the ridge as the area heals. This can help preserve bone volume and create a better foundation if a dental implant is planned in the future.
Why Preserve Bone After an Extraction?
The roots of your teeth help maintain the surrounding jawbone. Once a tooth is removed, that stimulation is lost, and changes to the bone can begin during healing.
Preserving the ridge at the time of extraction may help:
- Maintain the shape and volume of the jawbone
- Reduce bone loss following tooth removal
- Preserve the natural contour of the gums and ridge
- Create a better foundation for future dental implant placement
- Reduce the amount of additional bone grafting that may be needed later
Ridge preservation does not completely prevent all changes to the jawbone after an extraction, but it can help limit those changes and preserve more of the existing ridge.
Ridge Preservation and Dental Implants
If you are considering replacing an extracted tooth with a dental implant, planning for the implant often begins before the tooth is removed.
Dental implants need adequate healthy bone for support. Preserving the extraction site can help maintain the bone needed for future implant placement and may simplify treatment later.
Depending on your individual situation, an implant may sometimes be placed at the same appointment as the extraction. In other cases, ridge preservation is performed first and the site is allowed to heal before implant placement.
Dr. Weller will evaluate the condition of the tooth, available bone, gum tissue, infection, and planned implant position to determine the appropriate sequence of treatment.
What to Expect During an Extraction & Ridge Preservation
Treatment is planned based on the condition of the tooth and your long-term goals for the area.
1. Evaluation & Treatment Planning
Dr. Weller will evaluate the tooth, gums, and surrounding bone and review appropriate dental imaging. If you are considering a dental implant, the future implant site will be considered as part of the treatment plan.
2. Tooth Extraction
The tooth is carefully removed with attention to preserving the surrounding bone and gum tissue whenever possible.
3. Ridge Preservation
When indicated, bone grafting material is placed into the extraction socket to help preserve the volume and shape of the ridge as it heals.
4. Healing & Follow-Up
The extraction and grafted area are allowed to heal. Dr. Weller will monitor the site and provide instructions for protecting the area during recovery.
5. Future Tooth Replacement
If a dental implant is planned, Dr. Weller will determine when the site has healed sufficiently for the next stage of treatment.
Do All Extractions Need a Bone Graft?
No. Bone grafting is not necessary after every tooth extraction.
Whether ridge preservation is recommended depends on several factors, including the location of the tooth, the condition and amount of existing bone, the reason for the extraction, and whether a dental implant or another type of tooth replacement is planned.
If preserving bone is important for future treatment, completing the graft at the time of extraction can be beneficial because the area is already beginning the healing process.
Dr. Weller will evaluate your individual situation and explain whether ridge preservation is recommended.
What Is the Difference Between Ridge Preservation and Ridge Augmentation?
Both procedures involve bone grafting, but they are generally performed at different stages.
Ridge preservation is typically performed when a tooth is extracted. Its purpose is to help maintain as much of the existing ridge as possible while the extraction site heals.
Ridge augmentation is generally performed after significant bone loss or a ridge defect has already developed. Its purpose is to rebuild an area where additional bone volume is needed.
If a tooth needs to be removed and an implant may be considered later, ridge preservation can sometimes reduce the extent of additional grafting that may otherwise be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions & Ridge Preservation
Is a tooth extraction painful?
Local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable during the procedure. It is normal to experience some soreness, swelling, or tenderness as the area heals. Dr. Weller will provide specific instructions for caring for the extraction site and managing your recovery.
How long does a ridge preservation bone graft take to heal?
Healing time varies depending on the location of the extraction, the amount of grafting performed, and the individual patient. The gum tissue begins healing relatively quickly, while the grafted bone continues to develop and mature over a longer period. If a dental implant is planned, Dr. Weller will monitor the site and determine when the bone is ready for implant placement.
Can I get a dental implant at the same time as my extraction?
In some situations, an implant can be placed immediately after a tooth is removed. In others, bone grafting and healing are recommended before implant placement. The condition of the extraction site, available bone, infection, gum tissue, and ability to achieve implant stability all influence this decision.
What happens if I don’t get a bone graft after an extraction?
The jawbone naturally changes after a tooth is removed, and some loss of ridge width and height can occur during healing. This does not mean every extraction requires a bone graft. However, if a dental implant is planned or preserving the ridge is important for future treatment, ridge preservation may help maintain more bone at the site.
Is ridge preservation the same as a bone graft?
Ridge preservation is a specific type of bone graft. It is performed at the time of tooth extraction to help preserve the shape and volume of the extraction site while it heals. Bone grafting can also be performed later to rebuild areas where bone loss has already occurred.
Schedule an Extraction & Ridge Preservation Consultation
If you have been told that a tooth cannot be saved or need an extraction and are considering a dental implant in the future, schedule a consultation with Dr. Weller at Hickory Periodontics.
Our office is conveniently located in Conover and serves patients from Hickory, Newton, and surrounding Catawba County communities. Dr. Weller will evaluate the tooth and surrounding bone, discuss whether ridge preservation is appropriate, and help plan for future tooth replacement when needed.