Socket Preservation Procedure

Preserving Your Jaw Bone after Extraction

Removal of teeth is sometimes necessary because of acute or chronic pain, infection, fracture of teeth, fracture of surrounding bone, and bone loss. The bone that holds the tooth in place (the socket) is often damaged by disease and/or infection, resulting in a deformity of the jaw after the tooth is extracted. In addition, when teeth are extracted the surrounding bone and gums can shrink and recede, resulting in jaw defects and a collapse of the lips and cheeks.

These jaw defects can create major problems in performing restorative dentistry whether your treatment involves dental implants, bridges, or dentures. Fortunately, jaw deformities from tooth removal can be prevented by a procedure called socket preservation. Socket preservation is routinely performed after tooth removal in patients who desire to maintain proper form, function and aesthetics of teeth and associated soft tissues. Socket preservation can also greatly improve the success and proper positioning of dental implants.

Several preservation techniques can be used to preserve bone and minimize bone loss after an extraction. Dr. Pollaccia commonly places a bone graft or bone substitute in your socket at the time of tooth removal, along with a collagen membrane which covers the bone and encourages your body’s natural ability to repair the socket. With this method, the socket heals without the collapse of the surrounding facial tissues, bone and gum. The newly formed bone in the socket also provides a stable foundation for dental implant replacement. If your dentist has recommended tooth removal, be sure to ask about socket preservation, this is particularly important if you are planning on replacing the missing teeth with implants.