Socket Preservation Procedure

Preserving Your Jaw Bone after Extraction

Removal of teeth is sometimes necessary because of pain, infection, bone loss, or due to a fracture in the tooth. The bone that surrounds the tooth is often damaged by disease and/or infection, resulting in a bony defect after the tooth is extracted. Also, when teeth are extracted the surrounding bone and tissue can shrink and recede very quickly, resulting in a depressed bony and soft tissue defect. 

These bony defects can create problems in performing restorative dentistry whether your treatment involves dental implants, bridges, or dentures. Bone resorption resulting from tooth removal can be repaired by a procedure called ridge preservation. Ridge preservation can greatly improve the available bone for your dental implant and increase your chances for successful dental implants.

Several techniques can be used to preserve the bone and minimize bone loss after an extraction. In one common method, the tooth is removed and the socket is filled with bone or bone substitute. It is then covered with a collagen membrane or tissue, which encourages your body’s natural ability to repair the socket. With this method, the extraction site heals, eliminating shrinkage and collapse of the surrounding gum and facial tissues. The newly formed bone in the socket provides the foundation for the implant to replace the tooth. Dr. Stanford will discuss with you if you would benefit from socket preservation during your evaluation.