Ridge Preservation After Tooth Extraction
 After a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone and gum tissue can begin to deteriorate quickly. Ridge preservation is a proactive treatment that protects your jawbone and prepares the site for future dental implants or restorations. At Summit Dental Group, with offices in Fort Wayne and Huntington, Indiana, we offer ridge preservation procedures to support long-term oral health and maintain the natural shape of your smile.
What Is Ridge Preservation?
Ridge preservation is a type of bone grafting performed immediately after a tooth is extracted. Its goal is to preserve the shape and density of the socket and surrounding jawbone, which often shrink or collapse without support.
This procedure involves placing a bone grafting material into the empty socket, sometimes covered by a protective membrane. It encourages the body to regenerate bone in the area, creating a stable foundation for future restorative treatments.
Why Is Ridge Preservation Important?
After a tooth is lost or extracted, the jawbone begins to resorb, or shrink, in that area. This can cause both cosmetic and functional issues.
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Maintains Facial Structure - Prevents sunken cheeks or collapsed appearance caused by bone loss.
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Supports Future Implants - Provides the bone volume necessary to secure dental implants successfully.
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Preserves Gum Contour - Helps maintain the natural gum shape for better esthetics and easier restorations.
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Reduces Need for Additional Grafting - Early preservation may eliminate the need for more invasive bone grafts later.
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Improves Oral Function - Helps support bite strength and alignment over time. |
Ridge preservation is especially recommended if you plan to replace the missing tooth with an implant in the future.
Who Should Consider Ridge Preservation?
Not everyone who has a tooth extracted will need ridge preservation, but it's highly recommended in many cases—particularly when long-term replacement is planned.
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Dental Implant Candidates - Patients planning to receive a dental implant in the extracted site.
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Visible Smile Zone - For front teeth, preserving bone helps maintain a natural-looking gumline.
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Multiple Extractions - Patients losing several teeth who want to prevent jawbone shrinkage.
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Thin or Fragile Bone - Individuals with already diminished bone may benefit most from early preservation.
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Younger Patients - To maintain bone volume for future restorative options over a longer lifespan. |
Our dental team evaluates each patient’s needs and future treatment goals before recommending ridge preservation.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Ridge preservation is performed immediately after tooth extraction, typically during the same appointment.
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The tooth is gently extracted with minimal trauma to the surrounding bone.
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Bone grafting material is placed into the socket.
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A protective membrane or sutures may be used to stabilize the area.
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Healing occurs over several months as your body forms new bone.
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Follow-up visits ensure proper healing and evaluate readiness for future treatment. |
This procedure is minimally invasive and can be completed under local anesthesia, with sedation options available for added comfort.
Benefits of Choosing Summit Dental Group for Ridge Preservation
With locations in Fort Wayne and Huntington, we provide expert care and advanced dental technology to ensure the best outcomes for your ridge preservation procedure.
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Experienced Surgical Team - Skilled in atraumatic extractions and precise graft placement.
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Advanced 3D Imaging - We use digital scans and cone beam technology to guide treatment.
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Customized Graft Materials - We select grafting materials best suited to your body and future implant plans.
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Continuity of Care - From extraction to implant, all treatments are completed under one roof.
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Personalized Treatment Plans - Your needs, goals, and comfort are at the center of every recommendation. |
We help preserve your options for future restorations while supporting your bone health and facial appearance.
FAQs
Is ridge preservation necessary after every tooth extraction?
No, ridge preservation isn’t required after every extraction. However, it’s highly recommended if you plan to get a dental implant or want to maintain the shape of your jaw and gumline after tooth loss.
Is ridge preservation painful?
The procedure is typically no more uncomfortable than a routine extraction. Local anesthesia is used, and we also offer sedation options. Most patients report only mild soreness for a few days afterward.
How long does it take for the site to heal?
Healing generally takes 3 to 6 months. During this time, your body regenerates bone in the area. We monitor healing at follow-up visits to determine the best time for any future implant placement.
Will insurance cover ridge preservation?
Coverage varies depending on your insurance provider and whether the procedure is part of a medically necessary treatment plan. Our team will help verify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs in advance. |
