Ridge Augmentation

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What is Tooth Socket Preservation?

Tooth socket preservation is a common oral surgery procedure often performed following a tooth extraction. It’s purpose is to preserve the dimensions of the bone where a tooth was removed in preparation for the placement of a dental implant. Bone grafting also helps maintain and or even recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw bone that may have been lost due to a tooth extraction, gum disease, trauma or for other reasons.

The alveolar ridge of the jaw is the bone that surrounds the roots of teeth. When a tooth is removed, an empty cavity is left in the alveolar ridge. After tooth extraction, at least 25 % of the width and height of the bone is lost. This could cause problems with implant placement for the implant to heal needs adequate bone. So to prepare the extraction site for a dental implant, the best quality and quantity of bone is mandatory. We get predictable bone with the bone grafting procedures. 

How is the Tooth Socket Preservation Accomplished?

Tooth socket preservation is accomplished by placing synthetic bone graft material into the extraction site, right after the removal of the tooth. A collagen plug or membrane are needed to cover the bone and to protect it during the healing process. After the collagen membrane is placed, the gums are sutured together with a slowly reabsorbing suture material. Once the socket has healed, the site is ready for dental implant placement. Typically four months after the bone grafting procedure, the area is ready to receive a dental implant.