Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

Socket Preservation

The overarching goal of the entire dental industry begins with always taking all measures to save your natural teeth and to also replace any missing teeth. During your dental exam, however, Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. could identify a tooth that cannot be saved or another tooth that should be removed. Extracting teeth might be necessary due to an infection or bone loss as a result of gum disease.

The bone that supports the tooth in place, the socket, is frequently damaged from gum disease or an infection, which results in the shrinkage of the bone socket when the tooth is extracted. This shrinkage of the socket will create consequential irregularities in the tissue where the tooth was. This will make restorations with dental implants, fixed bridges, or removable dentures difficult to achieve.

Beginning with your first visit with Periodontal and Implants Associates, Inc., our entire dental team is committed to establishing a relationship with you, acknowledging your unique individual needs, and striving effortlessly to provide personalized oral health care to meet your goals.

We focus on creating the ultimate stress-free and comfortable dental experience. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we will do what is necessary to help you understand your symptoms and your treatment options in a relaxed environment. Call Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at (256) 734-8588 with any questions or to make an appointment about a socket prevention exam.

After a tooth is extracted, the jawbone around that tooth will immediately begin to shrink. The shrinkage is quite rapid over the first year. As much as 60% of the original width and 40% of the original height of the jawbone can atrophy during this brief period. The restoration with a dental implant could be impossible or impractical if the vacated extraction socket is left untreated. Socket preservation is a simple and easy treatment that can be performed following a tooth extraction. It is done at the time of an extraction to prepare the space for a dental implant.

The Benefits of Socket Preservation

Socket preservation promotes healthy recovery following a tooth extraction, but it also provides:

Cosmetic Benefits

If a tooth socket is not preserved following an extraction, the jawbone will naturally atrophy, causing permanent aesthetic changes, such as sagging, to your facial structure.

Dental Implants

Many dental restorations need good gum and jaw support. Socket preservation allows for a range of tooth replacement options soon.

Research has proven that gum disease is connected to other diseases. It is believed that bacteria are the factor that links periodontal disease to other body diseases. Recent research demonstrates that inflammation is the responsible element for this association. Having Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. treat your inflammation will not only help manage gum disease but will also help with the control of other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

If you have diabetes, you are more at risk of developing gum disease, which will also increase blood sugar and add complications. You are more likely to have gum disease because you are more susceptible to contracting infections. Research has proven that the relationship between diabetes and gum disease goes both ways; periodontal disease can make it difficult to control your blood sugar. Severe gum disease increases blood sugar, contributing to your body functioning with high blood sugar. If you have diabetes, it increases your risk for diabetic complications.

Heart Disease and Periodontal Disease

Studies have proven that gum disease is also associated with heart disease. Research has proven that gum disease will increase your risk of heart disease. Scientists believe that inflammation from your gum disease is responsible for this association. Gum disease will also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Studies have also found a relationship between gum disease and stroke.

Other Systematic Diseases and Periodontal Disease

Yet another link has been suggested between jawbone atrophy and osteoporosis. Studies suggest that osteoporosis can lead to increased tooth loss because the integrity and mass of the jawbone that supports the teeth are decreased, which means your teeth lose a solid foundation. Bacteria that develop in the mouth can also be aspirated into your lungs to cause respiratory diseases like pneumonia, especially if you have gum disease. Men having gum disease are 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers.

The Socket Preservation Procedure

Socket prevention begins with a careful tooth extraction to prevent any further damage to the surrounding bone, and then fills the empty socket with bone grafting material. Frequently, a biocompatible barrier membrane is added to stop the soft tissue from trying to fill the space before new bone can form. The gum tissue is sutured closed over both the bone graft and the barrier membrane. This initiative-taking treatment allows Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. to stymie and minimize any shrinkage following an extraction.

In due course, both the bone graft and the barrier membrane are resorbed, or dissolved, naturally by your body. Before this occurs, they both facilitate and promote your natural ability to repair itself by regenerating lost tissue and lost bone. It usually takes around four months before the regenerated bone has the density to allow the successful placement of an implant. Sometimes, a temporary restoration can be provided at the time the tooth is extracted and after the socket is preserved to maximize your aesthetics, comfort, and functionality.

We Change Lives One Smile at a Time

It is our mission at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. to educate and provide every patient with the best periodontal and dental care found in Alabama. The attention to detail by our entire dental team achieves quality and successful dental results with healthy and beautiful smiles for all patients. We collaborate to realize a shared vision of excellence. We are committed to:

  • Listening to those we have the opportunity to serve.
  • Earn the trust and respect of every patient, profession, and community.
  • Exceeding your expectations.
  • Ensure a creative, challenging, and compassionate professional environment.
  • Striving for continuous improvement at all levels.

You can find Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at 315 Second St. SE, Cullman, AL, 35055. Or give us a call today at (256) 734-8588.

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

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