Harlem Center or Aesthetic Dentistry

One of the main goals of modern dentistry is the prevention of tooth loss. All possible measures should be taken to preserve and maintain your teeth, because the loss of a single tooth can have a major impact upon your dental health and appearance. However, it is still sometimes necessary to remove a tooth. Here are some of the reasons a tooth may need to be extracted.

Severe Decay
Advanced periodontal disease
Infection or abscess
Orthodontic correction
Mal-positioned teeth
Fractured teeth or roots
Impacted teeth

After removal of a tooth or teeth, there is a bony defect, or a decrease in the quantity of jaw bone. With time, the jaw bone undergoes further loss, resulting in a defect which compromises further dental care. Such a defect may be an unsightly aesthetic compromise or a food trap under a bridge. Also, the lack of bone may cause a loose, ill fitted denture, or the inability to place dental implants to restore the missing tooth.

A procedure called Advanced Extraction Therapy can save the extraction site. This approach to extracting teeth can prevent bone loss and provide a strong secure foundation for dental implants, bridges or dentures.

At the time of tooth removal, a bone graft material is placed into the socket to replace missing bone. This helps your body regrow some lost bone, and strengthens the grafted area by forming a bridge between your existing bone and the graft. Over time, much of the grafted bone is replaced by newly formed bone which is more resistant to long term resorption.

How is advanced extraction therapy performed?

1. The tooth is removed and the remaining tooth socket is thoroughly cleansed.

3. A membrane is placed over the new bone graft

2. Bone grafting material is placed into the empty tooth socket.

4. Stitches (sutures) are placed to allow proper healing.

Dr. Robertson will numb the area to lessen any discomfort. After the extraction, he will advise you of what post operative regiment to follow. In many cases, a small amount of bleeding is normal.

Avoid things that might prevent normal healing. It is best not to smoke or rinse your mouth vigorously, or drink through a straw for 24 hours. These activities could dislodge the clot and delay healing.

For the first few days, if you must rinse, rinse your mouth gently. For pain or swelling, apply a cold cloth or an ice bag. Ask Dr. Robertson about pain medication. You can brush and floss the other teeth as usual, but don't clean the teeth next to the extraction site.