Ridge Preservation


Ridge preservation decorative image

Life Dental Specialties provides ridge preservation services in Springfield, MA. Call 413-739-5685 to learn more and schedule your appointment.

Dental ridge preservation is used to prevent bone loss where a tooth has been extracted. When a tooth is lost, the bone that once supported the root starts to deteriorate in a process called resorption. Without the stimulation provided by the root, the body receives a signal that the jawbone in that area is no longer needed and it begins to break down. The resulting bone loss can weaken your bite and make it difficult to eat, cause your other teeth to shift, and even give you a prematurely aged appearance.

When Dr. Quinta performs a tooth extraction, he may perform ridge preservation at the same time by inserting bone grafting material into the socket immediately after the tooth is removed. This prevents bone deterioration and ensures that the jaw has sufficient strength to support a dental implant in the future. Once the grafting material is placed, Dr. Quinta will use sutures to close the socket.

The bone grafting material used for ridge preservation can come from your own bone, a donor bank, animal bone, or it may be a synthetic material. No matter the source, the function is the same—the grafting material encourages your body to rebuild bone at the extraction site to keep your jaw strong and provide a stable base for a restoration. It can take up to five months for the grafting material and your own bone to fuse together.

Ridge preservation is minimally invasive and causes no more pain than the extraction itself because it is performed at the same time. Unless you are getting a wisdom tooth extracted or having a tooth removed for orthodontic treatment, we recommend considering this procedure to protect your long-term oral health.


Frequently Asked Questions About Ridge Preservation


How long does ridge preservation last?


With good oral hygiene habits and regular visits to your dentist to keep your teeth and gums healthy, ridge preservation can last for a very long time. The jaw bone will only begin to break down again if you have periodontal disease, lose additional teeth, do not receive an implant to replace the missing tooth, or have other serious dental issues that compromise your oral health.


How much does ridge preservation cost?


The cost of ridge preservation varies and is determined by the type of grafting material used as well as the number of sockets that require ridge preservation. Dental insurance plans vary, and may or may not  cover ridge preservation, it is advised that you check with your insurance provider to verify your benefits.


Is ridge preservation necessary after tooth extraction?


Ridge preservation isn’t always necessary after a tooth extraction. Bone grafting may not be needed when we extract wisdom teeth. When teeth are removed to create space for orthodontic treatment, ridge preservation may not be necessary because your orthodontist will use your braces to guide teeth into this space.


How painful is ridge preservation?


Ridge preservation is no more painful than tooth extraction since the bone grafts are simply placed in the socket before suturing. With or without the additional step of ridge preservation, you'd feel the same amount of pain after an extraction as well.


Can ridge preservation fail?


Bone grafts and ridge restoration are low-risk treatments with a high success rate. When they are not successful, it's normally as a result of dental or facial trauma, smoking, or underlying health problems that complicate healing.

Call 413-739-5685 to schedule your appointment.