Q: I’m having a tooth pulled and my dentist wants to do a bone graft. Is this needed? Can it be done at a later date?
A: We routinely graft bone at the time of our extractions. In addition, we use a special protocol with an ND/YAG laser called “Laser Site Preservation”. The healing is rapid and we don’t get dry sockets and post-operative infections. We prefer not to do a secondary procedure (who would?) to graft the socket. The area should be ready for an implant, bridge, or removable appliance within 3 months.
