Tooth Extraction and the Simultaneous Bone Grafting for Ridge Augmentation

Tooth Extraction and Simultaneous Bone Grafting for Ridge Augmentation

The following information is provided as a reference to patients who need a dental extraction (the removal of a tooth or several teeth) and ridge augmentation, because areas of the jaw where teeth are being removed would benefit from the support of conventional dental prosthetics for the anchorage of dental implants.

Purpose of Tooth Extraction and Bone Grafting

In areas of the jaw where teeth are removed, there would be a benefit to the support of conventional dental prosthetics for the anchorage of dental implants when it is accompanied by a simultaneous bone augmentation.  The surgery should reduce the cause of this condition and produce healing, which should enhance the possibility of longer retention of your teeth.

Bone Graft Material

We use bone tissue that is harvested from other areas of your mouth and Demineralized Bone Allograft, which is human bone tissue donated by the next of kin of deceased persons.  All donors are screened by physicians and other healthcare workers to prevent the transmission of disease to the person receiving the graft.  Donors are tested for hepatitis, syphilis, blood and tissue infections, and the AIDS virus.  Donor tissue is recovered and processed under sterile conditions. Processing includes the demineralization of the bone and its preservation by the process of freeze-drying.  In addition, bone processed similarly to the above descriptions after harvesting from bovine sources can be used, as well as artificial bone-like substances.

Surgical Procedure

  1. After anesthetics have numbed the areas to be operated, the gum is reflected from the jawbone surface, the teeth are removed, and the extraction sites are cleansed of any infected tissue
  2. The graft material is placed into the extraction sockets and on the surface of the bone
  3. A Guided Tissue Barrier Membrane may be placed over the grafted bone area to prevent gum skin cells from entering the wound and stopping bone regeneration, and to aid in the retention of the bone graft.
  4. Finally, the gum is sutured back around the teeth and/or together.

Risks

Risks related to surgery with extraction and ridge bone regeneration by the use of bone grafts might include but are not limited to; fracture of the tooth/teeth during extraction, retention of part of a root or roots, dislodging of a tooth or part of a tooth into the upper jaw sinus, post-surgical infection, bleeding, swelling, pain, facial discoloration, transient but on occasion permanent numbness of the lip, tongue, teeth, chin, or gum, jaw joint injuries or associated muscle spasms, transient or on occasion permanent increased tooth looseness, tooth sensitivity to hot or cold or sweets or acidic foods, shrinkage of the gum upon healing (which could result in elongation of and/or greater spaces between some teeth).

Risks related to the anesthetics might include, but are not limited to, allergic reactions, accidental swallowing of foreign matter, facial swelling, bruising, pain, or soreness or discoloration at the site of injection of anesthetics.

Alternatives to the procedure

These may include:

  1. No treatment, with the expectation of the advancement of my condition resulting in greater risk or complications, including, but not limited to, bone loss, pain, infection, and possible damage to the support of the adjacent teeth, a less than satisfactory dental prosthetic result.
  2. Building up the ridge with soft tissue grafting, which would not increase the possibility of using dental implants.
  3. Extending the depth of the cheek pouch by surgery with or without the use of a soft tissue graft, which would not increase the possibility of using dental implants or the esthetics or phonetics related to the design of a fixed bridge.

No Guarantee

There is no guarantee that the tooth extraction with grafting for bone ridge augmentation procedure will be completely successful in eradicating pockets, infection, or further bone loss or gum recession.

Due to individual patient differences, it is not possible to predict the absolute certainty of success.  With any medical procedure, there are possible risks of failure, relapse, selective retreatment, or worsening of the present condition, including the possible loss of certain teeth with advanced involvement, despite the best of care.

Unforeseen Conditions

During surgery, unforeseen conditions can be discovered that would call for a modification or change from the anticipated surgical plan.  These may include, but are not limited to, the extraction of hopeless teeth to enhance the healing of adjacent teeth, the removal of a hopeless root of a multi-rooted tooth so as to preserve the tooth, or termination of the procedure prior to completion of all of the surgery originally scheduled.

Compliance with self-care instructions

During your recovery, you will need to follow your doctor’s instructions for self-care, which include but may not be limited to:

  • Avoid excessive smoking and/or alcohol intake, as it may affect gum healing and may limit the successful outcome of your surgery
  • Follow instructions for daily care of your mouth
  • The use of prescribed medications
  • Report for follow-up appointments so that healing may be monitored

Patient Consent

Your doctor should discuss the reasons for this type of extraction procedure, along with the purpose, benefits, and surgery required to perform this procedure, as well as possible complications and alternatives.  Before undergoing surgery, you are required to provide verbal and written consent.

If you are preparing for this procedure with us and have any questions, please contact us for clarification of anything you do not understand.  If you are reading this to learn more about options for tooth extraction and would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us to meet with our team.