Ridge Preservation in Pueblo, CO

What is Ridge Preservation?

When a tooth is removed, it leaves behind a concaved depression that, if left unprotected, can prevent restorative treatment - such as dental implant placement. A ridge preservation conserves these extraction sites by placing a bone graft within the hollow areas to prevent bone loss in that area of the jaw. The bone graft will later form and collapse to the natural contours of the gums. Over time, the newly transplanted bone tissue will heal and fuse with the jaw to build up the support that is necessary for tooth replacement and other restorations. Contact oral surgery practice in Pueblo, CO to meet with one of our skilled specialists to see if ridge preservation is the right solution for you.

Who is a Candidate for Ridge Preservation?

Ideal candidates for ridge preservation are individuals who have a single tooth or multiple teeth that need to be extracted due to severe decay or damage from a traumatic injury. Teeth should be immediately replaced right after an extraction to prevent bone loss in the jaw and other issues – such as shifting teeth. Dental implants are titanium screws that are placed in the jawbone to restore missing teeth; however, there must be sufficient bone mass in order to secure them properly and maintain long-term oral health. This is why our specialists recommend ridge preservation to maintain bone tissue and gums for future dental implant placement. When you visit our Pueblo practice, we will perform a thorough examination to create a custom treatment plan for you.

How is Ridge Preservation Performed?

Ridge preservation is performed in conjunction with a tooth extraction and bone graft. Bone graft will need to be placed right after the tooth is removed. Our seasoned oral and maxillofacial surgeons have extensive experience and success with performing bone grafts for the preservation of one's smile. To start this procedure, the treatment area will be fully numbed and sedation methods will be incorporated (if needed) to ensure optimal comfort. The designated tooth (or teeth) will then be removed, and the bone graft will be promptly placed to fill the socket left be behind at the extraction site. There are several different types of grafts that can be used, as well as tissue regeneration materials that may also be placed to stimulate optimal healing and bone fusion. Once this is complete, sutures will be placed, and the mouth will be gently rinsed with protective mouthwash.

What to Expect After Socket Preservation Surgery

After your socket preservation surgery, our team will review all Post-Operative Instructions and at-home care protocols with you before you leave our office. Our caring team takes great pride in properly educating our patients on how to care for their smile after their surgery. This ensures a speedy recovery and helps achieve the best results possible. We will usually send you home with a prescription or bottle of medicated mouthwash that should be used as directed to help prevent infection and aid in healing. Swelling and discomfort is normal and can be eased with over-the-counter pain medication and/or cold compresses. We will evaluate your progress during your follow-up appointment to determine when it's appropriate to schedule your dental implant surgery.

Does Insurance Cover Ridge Preservation Bone Grafts?

Our caring Insurance Specialist Team will reach out to your insurance provider to confirm your benefits and coverage plan. All dental packages are different, which means coverage will vary from patient to patient. We work diligently to help make oral care affordable for all of our patients. Contact our Pueblo, CO oral surgery practice to learn how you can qualify for either of our financing options - CareCredit® and CredCompare. CredCompare involves a simple application process that performs a soft credit pull with no affect to your credit score. Once submitted for prequalification, CredCompare allows several different financing companies to review your patient profile and to compete for assistance in your healthcare investment.

Prepare for Future Dental Implants

Ridge preservation is necessary to protect the integrity and structure of the jawbone for future restorations and should be performed immediately following a tooth extraction. If you have a tooth that needs to be extracted and wish to maintain the overall health and look of your smile, we invite you to call our office in Pueblo, CO to schedule a consultation today. When you visit with our team at Oral Surgery Specialists of Pueblo, we will take our time to review your condition carefully and discuss all your options to help restore your smile.