Ridge Preservation

Careful management of extraction sockets after tooth extraction prevents unsightly bone loss and provides a better cosmetic outcome for tooth replacement.  Using a very careful and delicate technique, microsurgical instruments are used to gently remove the infected tooth which prevents damage to the gum and bone.  In many cases a bone replacement graft is used in combination with a barrier membrane to preserve the bone quality and quantity to ensure successful future implant placement.  (see Why should a periodontist extract my tooth?)

Above is a photograph showing the difference between a proper extraction and ridge preservation technique versus an improper technique. On the left side of the picture, the tooth was non-traumatically removed by a periodontist and the ridge preserved for a dental implant (a dashed, blue line indicates the current ideal dimensions of the jawbone). On the right side of the picture, these teeth were not properly extracted and prepared for dental implants. A dahsed, black line on the right indicates the ideal dimensions which are now needed for implant placement.