Extraction & Ridge Preservation

Extraction is performed when a tooth cannot be saved due to extensive cavities, infection, or trauma. Removal of the tooth is completed with precision to preserve the surrounding bone and gum tissue.

Ridge preservation is most often performed at the time of extraction. Bone grafting maintains healthy bone and gum structure, prepares the site for future implant placement, preserves facial shape and supports adjacent remaining teeth or implants.

Benefits of ridge preservation also include preventing the quick deterioration of bone that begins naturally after tooth extraction, creating a secure foundation for dental implants.

Ridge preservation may also be combined with other surgical procedures, including related bone grafting procedures such as ridge augmentation and sinus augmentation.

What to Expect:

  • Comprehensive Examination
    • Your visit begins with a thorough periodontal and oral examination and digital imaging to assess tissue health, measure pocket depth and gum recession, assess bone loss and screen for oral cancer. Dr. Holden creates a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, diagnosis and comfort level and discuses planned restorations with your general / restoring dentist.
    • CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) is a 3-dimensional x-ray, advanced imaging technique providing accurate visualization of dental structures, bone and nerve canals. CBCTs can locate exact 3D positioning of dental structures and bone volume to accurately and strategically plan dental implant placement and any associated implant procedures.
  • Extraction and Ridge Preservation
    • Precise surgical extraction of the tooth with bone grafting material to maintain bone and replace what has been lost, a biologic material to enhance your body’s natural repair mechanisms and a membrane to contain bone graft and maintain surrounding gingival tissues.
  • Follow up CBCT
    • Following adequate time for healing a second CBCT is taken to assess the site prior to implant placement.
  • Dental Implant Placement
    • Precise surgical placement of the dental implant into the bone with adequate time for healing for osseointegration (attachment of the bone to the dental implant) and follow up to ensure the implant is healthy and stable prior to restoration placement.
  • Follow up
    • Follow up, which is specifically tailored to each patient is recommended to keep implants in health and function after they have been placed, healed and restored and is a team effort with your restoring dentist.
  • Implant Maintenance
    • To maintain the results of both non-surgical and surgical earlier therapies similar to periodontal maintenance. Implant maintenance at home and in the office are of the utmost importance for disease control to prevent the return of disease and allow early and swift detection of dental concerns.
    • Implant Maintenance schedules are tailored to each patient’s needs and are often ore frequent of patients have had a history of periodontitis or peri-implantitis.