Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Tooth extractions can lead to gradual bone loss in the jaw. Socket preservation helps maintain bone height and width, supporting both your facial shape and future restorative options.
Legacy Surgery offers oral surgery services in Staunton and Harrisonburg, VA.
Table of Contents
Why Bone Preservation Matters
Teeth anchor into the jawbone like a tree root in soil. When the tooth is gone, the bone no longer receives stimulation from chewing and gradually resorbs. Within months, this extraction site can lose up to 25% of its bone volume.
That bone resorption affects:
- Facial shape: Bone loss can make cheeks and lips look sunken.
- Tooth replacement options: Dental implants may require additional bone grafting before implant placement.
- Bite stability: Surrounding teeth can shift, creating gaps or uneven pressure.
Socket Preservation After Tooth Extraction
Socket preservation is a specialized bone grafting procedure performed immediately after extraction to prevent the bone from shrinking. By protecting the socket right away, it helps maintain the natural contour of your jaw and provides a stable foundation for future dental implants.
During the procedure, bone graft material is gently placed into the empty socket to support natural bone regeneration. This material serves as a framework for new bone to grow and gradually integrates with your jaw over time.
Socket preservation offers several key benefits:
- Maintains bone height and width at the extraction site
- Reduces the need for future grafting procedures
- Preserves facial structure and appearance
- Simplifies dental implant placement later on
The graft material used can vary depending on your needs and anatomy. Options may include donor bone, synthetic material, or a natural bone substitute.
Immediate Implant Placement
In some cases, a dental implant can be placed immediately after tooth extraction. This approach can help preserve bone and reduce overall treatment time. However, not every extraction site is a good candidate. Immediate placement depends on the quality and amount of existing bone, gum health, and whether infection is present.
When immediate placement is not ideal, socket preservation provides the next best option. It keeps the bone healthy and ready for an implant once healing is complete, ensuring long-term success and stability.
Schedule an Oral Surgery Consultation at Legacy Surgery
If you are considering a tooth extraction or dental implants, talk to our team about bone grafting options. Dr. Jeffery Kesecker and the team at Legacy Surgery specialize in dental bone graft procedures and implant placements.
To book a consultation at our oral surgery office in Harrisonburg, call (540) 437-1230 or visit us at 2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA.
📍Other location
(540) 213-8750
110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.
FAQs
Can I pull out a tooth that is really loose?
It is best not to pull a loose tooth on your own. Even if it feels ready to come out, removing it without professional care can damage the surrounding bone and gum tissue. A controlled tooth extraction performed by an oral surgeon ensures the extraction site heals properly and reduces the risk of infection or bone loss.
Is socket preservation necessary?
Socket preservation is highly recommended when planning for future dental implants. It helps maintain bone volume and prevents collapse at the extraction site. Without it, the bone may shrink, making future implant placement more difficult or requiring additional grafting.
Where can I find a dental implant specialist near me?
Legacy Surgery provides comprehensive dental implant care, including bone grafting and socket preservation, at two convenient locations. Visit us in Harrisonburg or Staunton, VA.