Socket Preservation
Socket preservation is a bone grafting procedure performed immediately after a tooth extraction to help maintain the natural shape and volume of the bone and gum tissue. When a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone can begin to deteriorate quickly, affecting future options for dental implants or bridges. This technique helps protect the site and prepare it for future restoration.
Why Is Socket Preservation Important?
Preserving the socket after a tooth extraction helps prevent bone loss, supports the surrounding teeth, and creates a stable foundation for future dental implants or restorations. Without socket preservation, the jawbone may shrink, making future implant placement more complex or even impossible without additional grafting procedures.
How Is Socket Preservation Performed?
After the tooth is gently removed, the empty socket is carefully cleaned and filled with a bone grafting material. This material may come from the patient’s own body, a donor source, or synthetic alternatives. Once in place, the graft is typically covered with a protective membrane and sutured to secure the area.
The healing process usually takes a few months, during which the grafted material helps promote new bone growth and maintain the natural contour of the gum and jawbone. Once healing is complete, the site will be ready for a dental implant or other type of restoration.
Socket preservation is a simple yet highly effective way to maintain oral health, aesthetics, and future treatment options following tooth extraction.