Extraction Site Preservation
Some patients who have a tooth removed need to undergo an additional procedure known as extraction site preservation in Manchester, CT. The purpose of preserving the extraction site is to minimize reabsorption of the alveolar ridge, which is the part of your jawbone that supports your teeth. When one or more of your teeth are no longer there, the alveolar ridge starts to deteriorate unless you undergo this preventive oral surgery.
Extraction site preservation also maximizes the formation of bone tissue in your exposed socket. Dr. Tris J. Carta will inspect the area surrounding the tooth you need to have extracted and let you know whether he will need to perform extraction site preservation during your tooth extraction.
Understanding Extraction Site Preservation
While Dr. Carta extracts your tooth, he fills the socket with absorbent collagen membranes and/or donor bone fragments. The grafting material in your tooth socket supports the nearby tissues and eventually causes the growth of a new alveolar ridge.
After the extraction and preservation procedures are complete, please follow the guidelines below to ensure that you heal quickly with as little discomfort as possible.
- Rest for 24 hours after your oral surgery if possible.
- Avoid drinking liquids with a straw, as the suctioning power could tear the blood clot in your tooth socket.
- Keep your head in a slightly raised position when lying down.
- Don’t smoke for at least three days after the tooth extraction and socket preservation procedures.
- Place an ice pack on your cheek for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. You can also take non-prescription pain relievers as needed.
- You should continue to follow your usual oral health routine at home. However, you should avoid brushing on or near the affected socket for at least a few days.
- Eat soft and healthy foods that do not require a lot of chewing.
- Avoid sneezing and blowing your nose if possible.
Although these guidelines may be inconvenient for a few days, the pay-off is a healthy tooth socket that will regenerate its own bone.
Are you interested in learning more about extraction site preservation in Manchester, CT? Please contact Tris J. Carta, DMD MAGD General Dentistry, to request a consultation.
