Extraction Defect Assessment, Classification, and Management

ABSTRACT

Tooth extraction is a traumatic procedure initiating a complex cascade of biochemical and histologic events that inevitably lead to a reduction of alveolar bone and soft tissue. These tissue alterations often lead to an esthetic compromise of the future implant restoration. The hard- and soft-tissue architecture surrounding the extraction defect largely dictates the course of dental implant treatment. The EDS or extraction-defect sounding classification is a novel system introduced to simplify the decision-making process when planning for dental implant therapy following tooth extraction. Dental implant treatment guidelines based on the EDS classification are discussed. A review of pretreatment evaluations necessary to prepare for esthetic implant procedures is also presented.

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Notes on contributors

Nicholas Caplanis

Nicholas Caplanis, DMD, MS, is assistant professor, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. He is board certified and a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and maintains a full-time private practice limited to periodontics and dental implant surgery in Mission Viejo, Calif.

Jaime L. Lozada

Jaime L. Lozada, DDS, is professor and director, Postgraduate Program in Implant Dentistry, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.