For many dentists, moving into the world of dental implants is an exciting way to grow their practice. However, successful implant surgery doesn’t actually start with the implant itself. It starts with the extraction. This is what experts call the “top-down” approach—planning for the final tooth before the old one is even removed.
Dr. Kambez Shukoor, a veteran educator and the founder of One World Dental, teaches that a successful implant is only as good as the bone that supports it. If the bone isn’t prepared correctly on the day of the extraction, the entire implant case could be at risk.
The “Shrinking” Jawbone Problem
When a tooth is removed, the jawbone naturally begins to shrink or “resorb.” This happens because the bone no longer has a root to hold onto. Within the first six months, a patient can lose about 40% to 60% of their ridge width.
If a dentist waits too long to place an implant without doing a graft first, there might not be enough bone left to hold the metal post securely. This is why taking a dental implant grafting course is so important for modern clinicians.
Site Development: Building a Strong Foundation
Site development is the process of making sure the bone stays thick and tall after an extraction. This is done through a standard surgical dental extraction procedure followed by a bone graft.
Dr. Kambez Shukoor highlights several benefits of this “site-first” strategy:
- Predictable Results: By grafting immediately, you ensure there is enough bone for the implant to stay stable for years.
- Better Esthetics: Keeping the bone full helps the gums look more natural around the new tooth.
- Easier Surgery: It is much easier to place an implant into a well-maintained ridge than it is to try and fix a collapsed one later.
Moving from Simple Pulls to Advanced Surgery
Many dentists start by doing simple extractions, but to offer implants, they must master the art of socket management. Dr. Shukoor’s curriculum is designed to help doctors make this transition with confidence. He teaches how to use specific biomaterials, like xenografts, to provide a strong scaffold that keeps the ridge from collapsing while the body heals.
Join the Next Generation of Implant Dentists
If you are ready to stop just “pulling teeth” and start building a foundation for permanent smiles, the Extraction & Socket Preservation Online Lecture Series is the perfect place to start.
When he isn’t in the classroom, Dr. Kambez Shukoor puts these exact principles into practice at his office, helping patients achieve long-lasting dental health through precision surgery.