Treatments & Procedures
Ridge Preservation (preventing bone loss when teeth are extracted)
Tooth loss can have a devastating effect on bone mass!
University studies confirm that approximately 30% of the bone support around a tooth is lost within 12 months of extraction, causing severe cosmetic changes to the natural smile line.
Advances in medicine and dentistry have led to new and expanded areas of treatment. Two such areas, bone
grafting and guided bone regeneration (GBR) in the jaw bones and around teeth, have experienced tremendous growth. Procedures to repair and grow new bone are now part of routine dental surgical care provided by Dr. Poulos & Dr. Gallez. This information will help you better understand what bone grafting and GBR are, what options are available to you and what benefits you may gain from these procedures.
What are bone grafting & GBR?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces missing bone with a material called a bone graft. This material not only replaces missing bone, but also helps your body regrow lost bone. This new bone growth strengthens the grafted area by forming a bridge between your existing bone and the graft. Over time your own the newly formed bone will replace all of the grafted material. GBR is a procedure in which a collagen membrane is placed over the bone graft site. This membrane further encourages new bone to grow and also prevents the growth of scar tissue in the grafted site.
Why are bone grafts & GBR needed?
Bone grafts & GBR are needed when a part of your body is missing bone. This missing portion of bone is frequently called a "bony defect". Examples of jaw bone defects are: defects surrounding roots of teeth (periodontal defects); defects which occur following tooth extraction; generalized decrease in quantity of jaw bone from trauma or long-term tooth loss; defects surrounding dental implants; defects resulting from cyst or tumor surgery. (SEE NEXT SECTION ON RIDGE AUGMENTATION & SINUS AUGMENTATION)
Example of typical smile deformity caused by failure of the dentist to recommend a “Ridge-Socket Preservation” when tooth #7 was extracted. See Figure 1.0 below
Figure 1.0 Note the oversized and misshaped tooth restoration to compensate for the lost gum and bone.
Comment: The bone that holds the tooth in place (the socket) is often damaged by disease and/or infection resulting in a jaw deformity when the tooth is extracted. These jaw deformities can create major problems in performing restorative dentistry, whether your treatment plan involves dental implants, fixed bridges, removable dentures, or reshaping your gumline for a more pleasing smile. Jaw deformities from tooth removal can be prevented and repaired by a socket preservation procedure. Socket preservation can greatly improve your smile's appearance and increase your chances for successful dental implants.
Dr. Poulos routinely performs ridge preservation procedures to prevent bone loss.
Careful management of extraction sockets at the time of tooth extraction prevents unsightly bone loss and a better cosmetic outcome, whether a tooth is replaced with a fixed bridge or dental implant.
How are bone grafting & GBR procedures performed?
The following is one example of these procedures following tooth extraction.
1. The tooth is removed and the remaining tooth socket is thoroughly cleaned of all inflamed and infected tissue.
2. An appropriate bone grafting material (eg. Bio-Oss") is carefully placed into the extraction socket.
3. GBR collagen membrane (eg. Blo-Gide") is often placed over the grafted material.
4. Sutures placed into the gum tissue allow proper healing of the surrounding soft tissues.
*Photos courtesy Osteohealth