Overview
When a tooth is removed, it leaves behind an empty socket or a hole where the tooth roots were located. A socket preservation procedure (or ridge preservation) can help preserve the health and appearance of the gum and bone tissue in this area following a tooth extraction. Offering additional benefits, this procedure can preserve the extraction site for a future dental implant and help maintain the natural contours of your jaw after tooth loss. Socket grafts at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are usually performed immediately following tooth extractions and involve the addition of bone grafting material to fill in the empty socket. This filling material can then help to stimulate the regrowth of new, natural, solid bone in the area. If you need to have a tooth removed, schedule a visit with board-certified oral surgery specialists Drs. Stephen DeMarco, Diego Miron, or Luis Delgado at our Albany, NY practice to learn more about preserving the health and structure of your jaw with a socket graft procedure.
Best Candidates
The jawbone has a natural tendency to deteriorate after a tooth is lost, which can lead to several complications for your oral health. Socket preservation may be an ideal solution if you require the extraction of a permanent tooth, especially if you are considering a dental implant to replace your extracted tooth. Implants need strong, healthy bone tissue in order to effectively replace missing teeth. Ridge preservation can help stave off the jawbone loss that often takes place after a tooth is removed and can prevent the need for an additional bone graft in the future. Before performing a tooth extraction at our Albany, NY practice, our skilled oral surgeons will talk with you about your oral health needs and goals and help you decide if a socket graft is right for you.
What to Expect
Socket preservation procedures at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are generally performed under local anesthesia. During your consultation, our team can discuss sedation dentistry options to help increase your comfort if needed. After your tooth is carefully extracted, we will begin the ridge preservation process by filling in the empty socket with bone grafting material. A biocompatible barrier mesh and sutures might then be placed to protect the area as it recovers. As your jaw heals, the material will encourage the regeneration of bone tissue in the area and fuse with the existing bone structure. This can provide a solid foundation and support for your jaw and your future dental implant. In some instances, a tooth extraction, socket preservation, and dental implant placement may all take place within the same visit.
Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Reviews
Yesterday I visited the office for the final procedure of my implant, "journey." I arrived early, took a seat in the waiting area and my name was called almost immediately. I was escorted to the procedure room by a bright, cheerful nurse, who explained what would be happening this visit. I mentioned that I am an anxious person and I was calmed by their understanding of my anxiety, Their confidence assured me that this procedure would get done, that day. As a person who has struggled with anxiety and suffered from crippling panic attacks for decades, it was significant to feel that confidence from them. I had a very real concern that I would have a panic attack which would prevent the completion of the procedure that visit. As I reclined in the procedure room a second nurse, just as warm and upbeat as the first, entered the room, as well as the Doctor, and the procedure commenced. I can only estimate, heaven knows I'm no oral surgeon, that roughly 90% through the procedure, I felt my anxiety take hold and take over my body. Panic attacks are pretty paralyzing by nature and mine happen to be extremely physical. First I feel light headed, then all color leaves my face, then I break out in a full body sweat, followed by visible chills. The instant the color left my face, the doctor and nurses took action. The procedure was stopped. I was feeling helpless, scared, embarrassed, and guilty that I was taking time from these individuals and waiting patients. Then the swift, expert caregiving began. An ice pack was applied to the back of my neck, then another was applied to my forehead. (it's worth mentioning, an ice pack without a hand to hold it rarely stays. So I was single handedly monopolizing one nurse, who was kind enough to hold the ice pack against my head) I was given constant compassionate reassurance by the nurses and doctor that everything was alright. I was gently instructed to breathe slowly through my nose. My condition was not improving significantly, so a nurse handed me a cup of apple juice and encouraged me to sip. Slowly I sat up and not long after I felt my physically symptomatic panic take over, again. I gave only the slightest indication I was going down-hill and one of the two nurses reclined the chair I was in again. An I.V. was quickly and skillfully placed and fluids were administered. At this point I had two ice packs (one nurses' hand), oxygen and an I.V. A precarious position to be in for an individual deep into a panic attack. Some time passed and I was soothed by the cool collected casual conversation of the two attending nurses. The doctor said that he only had one quick thing to do before my procedure was completed, and I was happy to get that quick step over and done right then. The doctor took maybe 30 seconds to complete that last step and then that was done. Unfortunately, my anxiety was not. There was nothing more that could be done for my body to improve my condition. I needed something that cannot be packaged or sterilized, something that brings comfort to the soul... and that something was being in the presence of two of the most warm, caring, down to earth, hilarious, professional women I've ever had the pleasure of almost losing consciousness around. Brittany and Kaylee were a dream. Their lighthearted conversation distracted my anxious brain and their attentiveness to my condition made me feel safe. At no point did I feel rushed or that I was an inconvenience of any kind, something that, sadly, is incredibly rare in a medical practice. These two women are incredible, compassionate caregivers. They are a joy to be around. True treasures. I cannot possibly express my gratitude for the care and reassurance that I received from Brittany and Kaylee, but I thought I'd do my best to try.
Absolutely 100% ! A plus. 4.0. On every level. Dr. Diego Miron and associate professionals and complete Staff! And a big thank you for my Dentist Dr Walsh #1 for the referral!
The entire experience was excellent, all staff and Dr Delgado were the most professional I've ever met. They are the best!
Very friendly staff. Strongly recommended 👍👍👍
I’m incredibly thankful for Dr. Miron and his team for taking me in. I was in a lot of pain due to my wisdom teeth and they removed them that week. Great communication and professionalism, and they were very kind. Hope to be back to get further work done.
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Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Recovery
Specific recovery instructions will be provided by our team once your socket graft procedure is complete. You may feel some minor tenderness or swelling in the area that can often be managed with nonprescription pain relievers. We encourage you to get in touch with our Albany, NY team right away if you have lasting discomfort or believe the area may be infected. We may schedule a follow-up appointment at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons so that our oral surgeons can assess your recovery process or determine when your jaw is ready to receive a dental implant.
Insurance Coverage
Ridge preservation may be covered in part by your dental insurer. Before the day of your procedure, our financial staff will contact your insurance company to determine if any out-of-pocket costs are to be expected. To help make your socket graft procedure easier to afford, Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons accepts a variety of easy payment options, including low-interest financing.
Socket Preservation
When a tooth extraction becomes necessary, it is often important to fortify the jaw and area in the bone where the tooth roots once occupied. Socket preservation at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons adds bone grafting material to the jaw immediately following tooth removal, preserving the structure for a future implant and maintaining the shape of the dental arch. For more on ridge preservation after a tooth extraction, contact our office in Albany, NY to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled oral surgeons.