What is Socket Preservation?

Socket preservation is a dental procedure performed after a tooth extraction to maintain the shape and density of the bone in the socket. When a tooth is removed, the bone that once supported it can deteriorate or resorb, leading to changes in jaw structure and potential complications for future dental work, such as implants.

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Why Do You Need Socket Preservation?

Bone loss following tooth extraction can lead to several issues:

  • Bone Resorption: The bone around the extraction site can shrink, compromising the surrounding teeth and the ability to place dental implants in the future.
  • Jaw Deformation: Loss of bone can affect the contour of your jaw and facial structure.
  • Gum Recession: Without adequate bone support, gums may recede, leading to aesthetic and functional problems.

Socket preservation helps maintain the bone structure and gum contour, preventing these complications and ensuring a stable foundation for future dental procedures.

Our Socket Preservation Procedure

Consultation and Evaluation: Your journey starts with a detailed consultation to assess your oral health and the condition of the extraction site. We review your medical history and discuss your dental goals.

Treatment Planning: Based on our evaluation, we design a personalized treatment plan that includes socket preservation. This plan outlines the materials to be used and the procedural steps.

Surgical Procedure: After the tooth extraction, we carefully clean the socket and place a grafting material to fill the space. This material may be bone from another part of your body or a synthetic substitute. The area is then covered with a protective membrane and the gum is sutured.

Healing and Integration: Over the next few months, the graft material integrates with your natural bone, preserving the socket’s shape and density. We provide detailed post-operative care instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing.

Follow-Up and Restoration: Once the site has healed, you can proceed with the next steps, such as dental implants or other restorative procedures, ensuring a strong and stable foundation.

Benefits of Socket Preservation

  • Maintains Bone Structure: Prevents bone loss and maintains the natural contour of the jaw.
  • Facilitates Future Dental Work: Provides a stable foundation for implants and other restorative treatments.
  • Prevents Gum Recession: Keeps the gums healthy and prevents recession.
  • Enhances Facial Aesthetics: Preserves facial structure and aesthetics.