How to Prevent Bone Loss After Tooth Extraction

In some cases, it is beneficial to remove a tooth when severe decay, a dental injury, advanced gum disease, or structural concerns have rendered it beyond saving. Tooth extraction is a professional and routine procedure, often pursued as a last resort. Once a tooth and its root have been removed, both should be replaced. If that gap is left untreated, complications such as bone loss may arise.

At Eastern Virginia Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our dentists offer tooth extraction and restorative procedures to help enhance smile appearance and function, as well as improve overall oral health. Common treatments performed after tooth extraction to prevent bone loss include: 

• Dental implants – A popular restorative option, dental implants act as artificial tooth roots and are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. By providing a foundation for replacement teeth, implants can not only restore smile function and tooth aesthetics, but they can also help prevent bone loss. This preservation occurs because dental implants stimulate the jawbone and keep the bone tissue strong. 
• Implant Dentures – Implant dentures are supported by and attached to dental implants, offering a more stable and secure fit than traditional dentures. By anchoring to implants in the jawbone, these dentures can help maintain bone structure after tooth loss and preserve the jaw’s shape and strength. 
• Dentures – A well-known dental restoration, dentures are removable and customized replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. While traditional dentures typically improve a full smile instead of just one missing tooth, they do not prevent bone loss in the jaw after tooth extraction as effectively as dental implants. However, they can provide some support for facial structures and may help slow bone loss by distributing chewing forces across the jaw. 
• Dental Bridges – Dental bridges are prosthetic devices attached to existing teeth or implants, and they are designed to replace one or more missing teeth. By bridging the gap where teeth are absent, they can help maintain the alignment of the surrounding teeth and distribute biting forces more evenly. Although bridges do not directly stimulate the jawbone like implants do, they can help maintain dental alignment by preventing teeth from shifting, thereby reducing the risk of bone loss over time.

For more information about tooth extraction and restorative options, or to schedule a consultation with our experienced dentists, please contact our office today.