Socket preservation, also known as alveolar ridge preservation, is a procedure performed after tooth extraction. It involves placing a bone graft into the socket where the tooth was removed to minimize bone loss and maintain the structure of the jawbone. This helps ensure the area remains suitable for a future dental implant or another prosthetic replacement.

After tooth extraction, the jawbone tends to resorb or shrink naturally, leading to loss of bone width and height. This bone resorption can make it challenging to place a dental implant later on, and even if an implant isn’t planned, the loss of bone can lead to a sunken appearance in the area of the extracted tooth. Socket preservation helps maintain the bone volume, facilitating future dental procedures and preserving aesthetics.

 Various materials can be used for socket preservation, including:

• Autografts (bone taken from the patient’s own body)
• Allografts (processed bone from a donor)
• Xenografts (bone from an animal source, usually bovine)
• Alloplasts (synthetic materials)

The choice of graft material often depends on the patient’s specific needs and the dentist’s preference.

Socket preservation is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort or mild pain, similar to what you’d feel after a tooth extraction. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, and your dentist might also prescribe medication to help with pain and inflammation.

The initial healing phase, where soft tissue closes over the socket, usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks. However, complete bone maturation and integration can take several months. Your dentist will provide specific post-operative care instructions and let you know when the site is ready for a dental implant or other prosthetic options.