Socket Preservation

Socket preservation is a procedure used to maintain the integrity of the alveolar bone after a tooth extraction. This helps ensure that there is enough bone volume for future restorative work, such as dental implants. Here’s a general outline of the procedure:

Extraction: The tooth is carefully extracted, often with minimal trauma to the surrounding bone and soft tissues.

Debridement: The socket is cleaned to remove any debris, granulation tissue, or remaining tooth fragments.

Grafting: A bone graft material is placed into the empty socket. This material can be autogenous (from the patient's own body), allogenic (from a donor), xenogenic (from an animal source), or synthetic. The graft helps to maintain the bone volume and supports new bone growth.

Coverage: Sometimes, a barrier membrane is placed over the graft to protect it and promote better bone regeneration. This membrane can be resorbable or non-resorbable.

Suturing: The gum tissue is carefully sutured back into place over the graft. This helps to protect the site and promote healing.

Healing: The site is allowed to heal, which usually takes several months. During this time, the bone graft integrates with the surrounding bone and the bone structure is maintained.

After the healing period, the site is evaluated for suitability for further restorative procedures, such as placing a dental implant.

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