Reviewed by Dr. Kerri Font, DDS
Reading time: three minutes
Did you know that losing a tooth can lead to the gradual shrinking of your jawbone?
This might not sound like a big deal, but it can affect the stability of your jaw, your smile, and your options for future dental implants.
You can prevent this from happening with a socket preservation bone graft. In this blog post, we’ll explain what socket preservation is, why it’s important, and how it can benefit your oral health.
Table of Contents
What is Socket Preservation?
Socket preservation, also called alveolar ridge preservation, is the process of placing bone or bone substitute into an empty tooth socket at the time of extraction.
This procedure helps to prevent bone resorption in the jaw and preserves the height and width of the alveolar bone.
Why Is It Important?
Understanding the importance of socket preservation can help you make informed decisions about your dental health.
Here are six reasons why this procedure is often recommended by dental professionals:
- Prevents bone loss: The roots of your teeth provide stimulation to your jawbone, which keeps it strong and healthy. When a tooth is extracted, this stimulation stops, causing the bone to deteriorate over time. Socket preservation helps to maintain the density and volume of your jawbone.
- Preserves facial structure: Without proper support from the jawbone, facial structure can change over time, leading to a sunken or aged appearance. Socket preservation helps to preserve the natural contours of your face.
- Protects adjacent teeth: When a tooth is extracted, the surrounding teeth can shift and become misaligned. Socket preservation helps to maintain the positioning of adjacent teeth.
- Prepares the site for future dental implants: If you are considering dental implants in the future, socket preservation can help create a stable and healthy foundation for the implant.
- Minimizes healing time: By preserving the bone in the socket, there is less healing time required before getting a dental implant or other similar procedure.
- Cost-effective: Investing in socket preservation now can save you from more costly procedures later on due to bone loss and structural changes in your jaw.
What if I don’t want a dental implant?
Even if you are not planning on getting a dental implant, socket preservation grafts can still be beneficial for your oral health.
By preserving the bone and facial structure, your surrounding teeth will remain in their proper positions, and you can avoid potential issues with your bite or jaw alignment.
This procedure is also beneficial if you plan on getting a dental bridge or a full or partial denture. With a strong and healthy jawbone, these restorative options will fit better and be more secure.
Is it a complicated procedure?
No, it is not a complicated procedure.
Bone graft material is placed in the socket after a tooth is removed and covered with a protective membrane to aid in healing.
What is the recovery time?
Recovery happens in two stages.
Recovery from the tooth extraction takes about 7–10 days. The second stage, the healing of the bone graft, usually takes around 4–6 months. During this time, the bone grafting material will integrate with your jaw bone, promoting new bone growth and creating a strong and stable foundation for future dental work.
Still Have Questions?
Schedule a consultation at our periodontal clinic in Highlands Ranch.
Our periodontists, Dr. Mike Norouzinia, DDS, and Dr. Kerri Font, DDS, can answer any questions you may have about the socket preservation procedure and help determine if it’s the right option for you.
We offer a range of periodontal and implant services to help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come. Don’t let tooth loss lead to further complications – consider socket preservation as part of your oral health plan.
Call (303) 683-1144 to book an appointment or complete the online booking form.
👉Interested in learning more about dental health? Check out our blog for more information on topics like gum disease, dental implants, and periodontal health.