As a dentist, my goal is always to preserve natural teeth whenever possible. However, there are times when an extraction becomes necessary. This may happen when a tooth is severely decayed or infected, when teeth are overcrowded, or when baby teeth don’t fall out in time for adult teeth to erupt properly.
In January, I wrote about teeth that are already missing, why replacing them is important, and the different replacement options available. Today, I’d like to take a step back and discuss what can be done at the time of an extraction to help preserve the bone and support future treatment options. Specifically, I’ll be discussing bone grafts and platelet-rich fibrin, also known as PRF.
If you’ve had a tooth extracted, or know someone who has, you likely know that bone loss will occur afterward. This happens because the alveolar bone, the jawbone that holds the teeth in place, depends on the presence of teeth (or implants) to maintain its shape and volume. When a tooth is removed, that bone no longer has the same function and will begin to shrink over time.
One way to reduce bone loss is through a procedure called socket preservation, also known as ridge preservation. The bone graft acts as a support for the socket, helping prevent collapse while encouraging new natural bone to grow into the area. This helps preserve the jawbone and provides a stronger foundation for future treatment, such as a dental implant.
After a socket preservation graft, the area typically needs three to six months of healing before an implant can be placed, though the exact timing depends on the individual situation. The idea of a bone graft might sound scary, but it’s a routine, painless and predictable procedure.
Does Everyone Need a Bone Graft?
No, not everyone needs a bone graft after an extraction. The best way to determine whether one is recommended is to schedule a consultation. During that visit, your dentist can evaluate the tooth, the surrounding bone, your long-term goals, and determine if a graft would be beneficial. If a graft is needed, they can also discuss what type would be most appropriate.
What Is PRF?
Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) is another adjunct therapy that aids in the healing of extraction sites. This is accomplished by drawing the patient’s blood, spinning it in a centrifuge, and isolating the healing properties and white blood cells so that they can be applied to the wound to provide a natural aid in healing. While PRF has been around for more than two decades, improvements in techniques have made PRF more accessible in dentistry over the last several years. PRF has many uses in dentistry and other areas of medicine, but for this article, I’ll focus specifically on how it can support healing after extractions.
PRF decreases postoperative discomfort, lowers the risk of a dry socket, and improves soft tissue healing. I personally love that PRF isn’t a synthetic material or chemical. Instead, it comes from your body’s own natural healing factors including platelets, growth factors, and white blood cells. No concerns exist for allergic reactions or rejection.
I’m very excited to now offer PRF in our office as another way to support comfortable healing and improve outcomes after extractions.
