Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 4 minutes
If you are scheduled for a tooth extraction, your oral surgeon may have talked to you about socket preservation. You might be wondering why this extra step is necessary and what happens if you choose to skip it.
Socket preservation is an essential step to protect your jawbone and prepare your mouth for future dental implants or other restorative procedures.
Without it, the bone in the empty tooth socket can shrink rapidly, making future treatments more complicated. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Legacy Surgery offers expert bone grafting procedures, including socket preservation, at our Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA locations.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Socket preservation keeps your jaw strong and ready for future treatments, preventing bone loss and complications down the road.
What Happens to Your Jawbone After a Tooth Extraction?
The roots of your teeth do more than just hold your teeth in place. They stimulate bone growth in your jaw.
When a tooth is removed, the bone in that area no longer gets stimulation, leading to bone resorption, a natural process where the body breaks down bone tissue.
Bone loss after extraction:
- Up to 50% of the bone in the socket can disappear within six months.
- The alveolar ridge (jawbone ridge) shrinks, changing the shape of your jaw.
- This can cause gum recession, shifting teeth, and difficulty with future dental implant placement.
If you plan on getting a dental implant in the future, preserving the socket now ensures adequate bone volume for a successful outcome.
What Is Socket Preservation?
Socket preservation, also called alveolar ridge preservation, is a bone grafting procedure that helps protect and rebuild your jawbone after tooth extraction.
Socket Preservation Procedure Details
When performed at Legacy Surgery, we generally follow these steps:
- Tooth extraction: The tooth is carefully removed while preserving as much of the natural bone as possible.
- Bone graft placement: A bone grafting material (which can come from a tissue bank, human bone, animal bone, or synthetic materials) is placed into the empty tooth socket to fill the space.
- Barrier membrane: A resorbable membrane or protective covering may be placed over the graft to help bone regeneration and prevent gum tissue from growing into the space.
- Healing process: Over the next few months, the bone graft material integrates with your jawbone, creating a strong foundation for future restorative procedures like dental implants.
Types of Bone Graft Materials Used in Socket Preservation
Your oral surgeon will select the best bone grafting material based on your needs:
- Autologous bone grafts (your own bone): The most natural, but requires an additional procedure to harvest the bone.
- Allografts (human donor bone from a tissue bank): Processed and safe, commonly used.
- Xenografts (animal bone, usually bovine or porcine): A widely accepted bone substitute that promotes bone growth.
- Synthetic materials: Biocompatible alternatives that stimulate natural bone healing without using human or animal bone.
Why Socket Preservation Is Important
If you are thinking, “Do I really need this?”, consider these long-term benefits:
- Prevents bone degeneration: Maintains bone levels and prevents jawbone shrinkage.
- Supports dental implant placement: Creates an ideal foundation for successful dental implant placement.
- Reduces the risk of gum recession: Protects the surrounding gum tissue and keeps your smile looking natural.
- Improves overall oral health: Maintains your bite alignment and prevents adjacent teeth from shifting.
- Avoids more costly procedures later: Without socket preservation, you may need more extensive bone grafting procedures before getting an implant.
If you have recently had your wisdom teeth removed or are scheduled for the procedure, you may be wondering whether bone grafting is necessary. Read on: Are Bone Grafts After Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?
FAQs About Socket Preservation
Is socket preservation painful?
No. The dental procedure is performed using local anesthesia, and most patients feel only mild discomfort afterward. Your surgeon may also recommend sedation dentistry if you are anxious.
How long does the healing process take?
The initial healing takes a few weeks, but full bone regeneration can take 3 to 6 months before it is ready for an implant.
Will it prevent dry sockets?
Yes, placing a socket preservation graft reduces the risk of dry sockets by stabilizing the blood clot and protecting the healing site.
How do I know if I need socket preservation?
If you are planning on a dental implant placement in the future, socket preservation is highly recommended. Even if you are unsure, preserving the socket keeps your options open.
Can I get a dental implant without a bone graft?
It depends. If you preserve the socket at the time of extraction, you will likely have adequate bone for an implant. Without it, you might need a bone grafting procedure later, which is more invasive.
Does it use my own bone?
Not necessarily. Many bone grafting materials are available, including human bone, animal bone, and synthetic materials. Your surgeon will discuss the best option for you.
Will my insurance cover socket preservation?
Coverage varies, but some insurance plans cover bone grafts if they are medically necessary. Check with your provider.
Take the Next Step to Protect Your Jawbone
If your oral surgeon recommended socket preservation after tooth extraction, it is because they want to ensure a successful outcome for your oral health and any future restorative procedures.
Do not wait until bone loss makes treatment more complicated. Preserve your jaw bone now to keep your smile healthy and strong.
To book an appointment at our Harrisonburg location, call (50) 437-1230 or visit us at 2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA.To book an appointment at our Staunton location, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.