Tooth Socket Preservation

Serving all of Marin County & Greater San Francisco

Your Choice For Specialized Periodontal Treatment

As a Harvard University and Columbia University trained periodontist in Marin County, CA, Dr. Michael Seda offers a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services to Marin County and San Francisco, CA. We treat referred and non-referred patients in a peaceful, modern setting, and are committed to partnering with all of our patients throughout their treatment. We are committed to exceeding expectations, and provide the highest level of dental care, to achieve the ultimate goal of optimal oral health for all of our patients

Ridge Augmentation and Tooth Socket Preservation In San Rafael California at Marin Contemporary Perio and Dental Implant Concepts
Dr. Michael Seda
Dr. Michael Seda

Socket Preservation or Alveolar Ridge Preservation

If you are experiencing tooth decay, tooth fracture, gum abscess, gum injury or disease, you may need to have a tooth or teeth removed. It will benefit you the most if you undergo a procedure that preserves as much of your original jawbone as possible. The instant a tooth or teeth are removed, the jawbone in the area will begin shrinking and deteriorating. Many options are available to prevent this deterioration of the jawbone, and preserve as much of your socket as possible.

If you need to have a bone graft placed directly into the socket where the tooth once existed, your dentist will perform a socket or alveolar ridge preservation procedure. The graft is constructed of either synthetic material, bone from other animals such as cows, or human bone. The dentist may cover the site with a membrane after placing the bone graft into the socket. Next, your dentist will suture the opening to ensure that it stays closed.

At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we offer a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services. We treat referred and non-referred patients in a peaceful, modern setting, and are committed to partnering with our patients throughout their treatment. We are committed to exceeding expectations and providing the highest level of dental care to achieve the ultimate goal of optimal oral health for all of our patients.

If you are scheduled to have a tooth or teeth extracted and would like to discuss any questions you might have regarding socket preservation, please contact our staff who will be happy to answer any questions or help you set up an appointment.

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Candidates for Socket Preservation

Socket preservation is intended to enhance the way the remaining teeth and gums appear visually and, if necessary later on, will make receiving a dental implant much less complicated. Socket preservation is not always offered at the same time that a tooth is removed, because some practices do not believe the procedure is medically necessary or beneficial. Research suggests, however, that the opinion that socket preservation is not medically necessary or beneficial is shifting among professionals. In a recent study, 13 papers were examined and it was concluded that socket preservation does reduce vertical or horizontal variations in the alveolar ridge where a tooth has been extracted.

There are two types of extractions that may occur:

  • Simple Extraction – If your tooth can be seen in the mouth, this procedure can be completed. In the simple extraction method, your dentist will use an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth. From there, your dentist will remove the tooth using forceps.
  • Surgical Extraction –A surgical extraction is more complicated and involved than a simple extraction and is used when a tooth has not erupted or has been broken off along the gum line. Your oral surgeon will remove the impacted wisdom tooth or broken tooth by making a tiny incision in the affected area to remove the tooth surgically.

Caring for Your Mouth

In order to preserve as much of your socket as possible and have a quick and less painful recovery process, it is critical to follow these guidelines following your tooth extraction:

Your dentist will likely suggest you not brush your teeth for at least one day following your extraction.

  • Avoid adding pressure to your mouth, such as using a straw or smoking.
  • Avoid eating hard foods and stick to a mostly soft diet for at least a few days after your
  • Use ice packs for 20 minute intervals with 20 minute breaks in between to help reduces welling

Provided you follow these best practices and take your dentists advice, you should recover quickly. The most important thing you can do following your  tooth extraction is to continue to practice good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice daily and for at least two minutes each time and continue flossing regularly. If you have not yet, talk to Dr. Seda or your dentist about a recommended antimicrobial mouth rinse.

Along with these important at home care practices, the best thing you can do to continue enjoying your healthy smile is to schedule regular visits every six months. During these routine checkups, your periodontist can conduct deep cleanings and monitor the overall state of your oral health, catching issues before they develop. By maintaining these habits, you will be well on your way to preventing additional issues from developing in the future.

Contact Marin Contemporary Perio & Implant Specialists

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form.

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High Quality Periodontal Care You Can Trust

When you come to Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, you can expect a friendly and professional dental team. Dr. Seda will listen carefully to your dental goals and provide a custom treatment plan that works with your budget and needs. We want you to fall in love with your smile again, so all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, and to feel confident in our service.

At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we aim to provide cutting edge perio and implant solutions in a comfortable and relaxed environment, where patients feel we put them first. Scheduling an appointment for a tooth extraction with a focus on socket preservation is the first step towards being confident in your smile once again. To set up an appointment, please contact us today at (415) 482-9901.

Marin Contemporary Perio & Implant Concepts is conveniently located in San Rafael, CA but graciously serves the greater northern San Franciso Metro and all of Marin County and Surrounding areas including : Oakland, Berkeley, Corte Madre, Sausalito, Ross, Belvedere, Kentfield, Tiburon, Mill Valley, Tamalpais, San Anselmo, Larkspur and Novato.