Tooth Extraction & Socket Preservation

Medford Periodontics offers tooth extraction and socket preservation in Medford, NJ. To schedule your appointment or learn more about our procedures, please call our office today at

609-953-3700

What Is a Tooth Extraction and Socket Preservation?

Advanced periodontal disease can endanger teeth to the point where there is no other option but extraction. Other reasons a tooth may need extraction include extensive decay, bone loss, or fracture.

Medford Periodontics provides socket preservation when extracting teeth. A socket preservation procedure, or a dental bone graft, adds ground bone material to the area around the extracted tooth.

As the socket heals, the new bone material provides a scaffold for the natural bone to grow. This procedure creates more bone mass and allows the placement of a dental implant post.

Why May a Tooth Extraction and Socket Preservation Be Necessary?

Over time, damage related to periodontal disease wears away at the jaw bone. Infection and inflammation from bacterial waste products cause the gum and bone to break down, causing tooth loss. Without socket preservation, the patient would not have enough jaw bone mass to place a dental implant.

A periodontist may also undertake a socket preservation procedure to make an implant possible when a tooth has been missing for some time. Missing teeth cause the jaw bone to lose mass due to a lack of chewing stimulation.

Why Choose Medford Periodontics?

Dr. Calem provides expert, compassionate care. His entire team dedicates themselves to providing top-notch service in a comfortable, relaxing environment. Dr. Calem can help you combat periodontal disease and related oral health issues using the newest technology and procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions and Socket Preservations

How are teeth extracted?

Your periodontist will numb the entire area with a local anesthetic so you will not feel discomfort. The periodontist may use a particular instrument called an elevator to gently loosen the tooth in the gum. The dentist then uses dental forceps to pull the tooth from the gum.

Is a tooth extraction painful?

Thanks to the local anesthetic, you will not feel pain during an extraction, although you may feel some pressure. Most patients do not need any additional medication to tolerate a tooth extraction procedure.

What happens after a tooth extraction?

After a tooth extraction, the periodontist will complete the procedure by performing socket preservation. Socket preservation involves placing a freeze-dried bone medium in the jawbone. Over a few months, the natural jawbone will grow over and around the new material, creating more jawbone mass.

How do I care for the socket after the procedure?

To avoid potential complications, follow your dentist's aftercare instructions to the letter. For the first few days after the extraction, eat only soft foods. Do not chew on the extraction site. Avoid smoking or using a straw to keep the beneficial blood clot in the socket from loosening prematurely. Avoid eating or drinking anything that could irritate the socket, like spicy, crunchy, and hard foods.

How long will the gum take to heal?

The gum may take about three to four weeks to heal. During this time, the bone graft inside the jawbone will gradually turn from a soft texture to a strong base for a new dental implant.

Why is it essential to replace my tooth after extraction?

If you fail to replace a lost tooth, you will experience a range of complications. Your jawbone will continue to break down without chewing stimulation, and you may exhibit a sunken facial appearance. Your other teeth will move out of position and cause alignment issues. These alignment issues can significantly increase your chance of developing tooth decay and possibly worsen your gum disease.

How long after socket preservation can I get a new dental implant?

The bone graft will probably heal in four to six months. Your periodontist will take imaging scans to monitor its progress.

Why should I go to a periodontist for a tooth extraction and socket preservation procedure?

Periodontists provide expert care to patients with advanced gum disease. They understand how to encourage a healthier jawbone through socket preservation.

Call Medford Periodontics

If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, extracting it sooner rather than later will lead to better outcomes. Socket preservation will enable you to receive a dental implant and protect your jawbone health. Please call our Medford, NJ, office at