Tooth Extraction and Ridge Preservation Bone Graft
In some cases, when a tooth is broken, severely infected, or decayed to the point where it cannot be restored, Dr Paris, Dr Shumaker, or your general dentist may recommend that the tooth be removed.
When a tooth is removed (extracted), the bone which surrounded that tooth no longer has a job to perform and it begins to dissolve away, much like an unused muscle will shrink without exercise. In fact, during the first year following removal of a tooth, up to 50% of the bone which used to hold the bone in place can go away. This may result in unsightly defects and complicate future replacement of the tooth with a dental implant.
Above: Very narrow ridge due to long-term tooth loss.
This ridge was not bone grafted when teeth were removed.
A large ridge augmentation bone graft will be
required before implants can be placed.
To prevent these issues, Dr. Paris and Dr. Shumaker perform what is known as "ridge preservation" procedures. After gently removing your tooth with state-of-the-art instruments to preserve as much bone as possible, our doctors then add a bone graft, and in some cases growth factors, to the socket from which the tooth was removed. This process encourages your body's natural capacity to regenerate bone and can reduce loss of bone width by 125% and loss of bone height by 244%. Because Dr. Paris and Dr. Shumaker remove teeth in this gentle manner to meticulously preserve your existing bone, pain from the procedure is reduced and healing time is improved.
Tooth requiring extraction
Ridge preservation graft
Healed ridge ready for implant
with no loss of width.
If you need a tooth removed and would like to establish a healthy foundation for future dental implants or a bridge, please contact Dr. Paris and Dr. Shumaker's office at 970-207-4061 to schedule an evaluation, or ask your general dentist for a referral.