Tooth Extraction & Bone Protection
Ridge Preservation Treatment
Protect your jawbone right after extraction and keep it stable for the long term.
Ridge preservation is done at the time of a tooth extraction to prevent bone collapse and maintain the natural contour of the jaw. Stabilizing the socket early reduces future complications and gets the area ready for an implant or other restoration.
Your First Choice for Cosmetic Dentistry
Why Ridge Preservation Matters
At Gage Dental Care, once a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone and soft tissue start to shrink because they’re no longer stimulated by the tooth root. Over time this can cause jawbone loss, changes to facial structure, and trouble placing an implant later on.
Ridge preservation helps hold onto bone volume and structure right after extraction, lowering the risk of collapse and protecting your long-term oral health.
Common Causes of Tooth Loss
- Gum disease
- Severe infection or decay
- Dental trauma or injury
- Inadequate oral hygiene
Reasons for Ridge Preservation
- Stabilize bone after a tooth extraction
- Preserve the natural contours of the jaw
- Reduce the need for extensive grafting later
- Prepare the site for a dental implant
- Maintain a natural-looking smile
How the Procedure Works
Right after the tooth comes out, the empty socket is filled with bone grafting material. That material supports the surrounding tissue and helps kick-start natural bone regeneration. The site is then protected with a small absorbable membrane or sutures to hold the graft in place.
Over time, the graft integrates and is gradually replaced by your own natural bone. In many cases, an implant can be placed within four to twelve months for solid long-term support.
Ridge preservation is carefully performed to protect your jawbone and keep your future treatment options open.
Ridge Preservation FAQ
- Is ridge preservation needed after every extraction?
- Not always, but it’s often recommended when a future implant is planned or when keeping bone volume matters.
- Is the procedure painful?
- It’s done with local anesthesia during the extraction. Most patients feel discomfort similar to a standard extraction.
- How long does healing take?
- Initial healing happens within a few weeks, while full bone regeneration can take several months before an implant goes in.
- Can it prevent bone loss completely?
- It significantly reduces shrinkage, though some natural remodeling still occurs. It greatly improves your odds of keeping adequate bone volume.
- When can implants be placed afterward?
- Typically four to twelve months after extraction, depending on healing and bone integration.
- What if I don’t preserve the ridge?
- The jawbone may shrink, which can mean more extensive grafting procedures later.
- Is the graft permanent?
- The graft material is gradually replaced by your own natural bone as you heal.
- Who is a good candidate?
- Patients planning future tooth replacement or wanting to preserve bone after extraction are strong candidates.