Socket Preservation

Protect the Foundation Left Behind After Extraction

Socket preservation helps maintain bone and tissue volume after a tooth is removed, creating a stronger foundation for future dental implants or other restorations.
Preserving Bone After Tooth Removal

Plan Ahead for Your Next Step

After a tooth is removed, the bone surrounding the empty socket can gradually shrink. Socket preservation is designed to help maintain the shape and volume of the extraction site. During the procedure, the socket is cleaned and filled with graft material. The site is then protected while it heals. In many cases, socket preservation can be performed during the same visit as the extraction. This approach can help create a more favorable foundation for a future dental implant or restoration.
Why preserve the socket?

Protect the Bone You May Need Later

Preserve Bone Volume

Socket preservation helps reduce the natural shrinkage that can occur after tooth removal.

Prepare for Future Implants

Maintaining bone structure can provide a better foundation for future implant placement.

Preserve Your Smile's Foundation

Preserving the extraction site can help maintain the shape and structure of the jaw and surrounding tissues.

Your treatment journey

How Socket Preservation Works

01

Tooth Removal

The tooth is carefully removed while preserving as much surrounding bone as possible.

02

Socket Preparation

The extraction site is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for grafting.

03

Graft Placement

Bone graft material is placed into the socket to help maintain its structure.

04

Protection & Healing

The area is protected with an absorbable plug, membrane, or sutures as appropriate and allowed to heal.

Is socket preservation right for you?

Should You Consider Socket Preservation After Extraction?

Socket preservation may be recommended when future implant placement or another restoration is being considered.

It may be especially useful if you:

  • Are having a tooth extracted
  • Plan to replace the tooth with a dental implant
  • Want to preserve bone volume after extraction
  • Need to maintain the shape of the extraction site

Socket preservation does not guarantee that an implant will be possible later, but it can help maintain a more favorable foundation.

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Why AZ Center for Oral Surgery

Specialized Care. Advanced Technology. Personalized Treatment.

Experienced
Oral Surgeons

Our board-certified oral surgeons have specialized training and experience to provide expert surgical care across a wide range of oral and maxillofacial procedures.

Advanced
Technology

We use modern technology and advanced treatment techniques to help diagnose conditions accurately, plan procedures carefully, and provide precise surgical care.

Personalized
Patient Care

Every patient is different. We take the time to understand your needs, answer your questions, and create a treatment plan tailored to your individual goals.

Socket Preservation FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About
Socket Preservation

Socket preservation is a procedure performed after tooth extraction to help maintain the bone and tissue volume of the extraction site.

No. Your need for socket preservation depends on the location of the tooth, the condition of the bone, and whether future restorative treatment is planned.

It can help maintain bone volume and create a more favorable foundation, but it does not guarantee that an implant will be possible.

Yes. In many cases, socket preservation can be performed during the same visit as the extraction.

Healing varies. Some sites may be ready for the next stage in several months, while larger or more complex areas may require longer.

Planning to Replace a Tooth After Extraction?

Preserving the extraction site today can help protect your options for tomorrow. Ask our team whether socket preservation is appropriate for your treatment plan.