After having a natural tooth removed by your dentist, a big healing process begins below your gums. The removal of the natural tooth means that there will be a lot of changes happening in the empty socket in your jaw. As there will be no natural tooth root to transfer chomping pressure, the jawbone will start to resorb. Within the first 6 months of having your tooth extracted, clinical research has shown that your jawbone can reduce in width by up to 50%.

A special procedure performed by dentists or oral surgeons is called Socket Preservation (Ridge Preservation). Performing this procedure after extraction will prevent large amounts of bone loss. Socket preservation is done by placing specially formulated bone graft material in to the empty socket straight after the tooth has been removed. Knowing what Socket Preservation is will help you to keep your mouth healthy in the long term, keep your natural facial shape and prepare your jaw for future tooth replacements.

1. What Is Socket Preservation After Tooth Extraction?

Socket Preservation is a dedicated bone grafting procedure carried out in your dentists surgery whilst having your tooth removed.

How Is the Empty Socket Cleaned?

  • Empty Socket Cleaned
    • The dentist will clean out your fresh socket after extracting the root of your tooth.

How Is the Bone Graft Placed?

  • Bone Graft Placed
    • Bio-compatible bone grafting material is placed in to the empty bony socket.

Why Is a Protective Membrane Placed?

  • Protective Membrane Placed
    • A protective membrane is applied to the bone graft to stop soft tissue growing in to the socket.

How Are the Sutures Placed?

  • Sutures
    • The dentist will suture the membrane and gum tissue together.

2. Why Does Jawbone Resorb After Tooth Removal?

Learning about the anatomy of your jawbone will help you understand why Socket Preservation is so important.

Why Does the Jawbone Need Chomping Pressure?

  • Lack Of Chomping Pressure
    • Healthy bone needs constant stimulation to keep it dense.

How Does Natural Bone Resorption Occur?

  • Natural Bone Resorption
    • After losing a tooth your body will automatically resorb the excess bone cells leaving the ridge of bone to collapse.

How Does Gum Tissue Collapse?

  • Gum Tissue Collapse
    • The gum tissue will also cave in as the jawbone collapses.

How Does Bone Loss Affect Surrounding Teeth?

  • Weakness In Surrounding Teeth
    • Large amounts of bone loss will leave your surrounding teeth weaker.

3. What Are the Benefits of Socket Preservation?

Having Socket Preservation at the time of having your tooth removed will have great benefits for your mouth.

How Does Socket Preservation Maintain Jawbone Density?

  • Jawbone Density
    • The bone graft acts as a strong scaffold encouraging your body to produce new natural bone cells.

How Does Socket Preservation Protect Natural Facial Shape?

  • Natural Facial Shape
    • By keeping your jawbone at a good height and width this will prevent premature facial sagging.

How Does Socket Preservation Prepare the Jaw for Implants?

  • Prepare Jaw For Implants
    • Socket Preservation will ensure that your jaw has enough volume to house a permanent titanium implant post.

How Can Socket Preservation Save Time and Cost?

  • Time And Cost Saving
    • Having Socket Preservation during extraction prevents you needing complex and costly bone block procedures in the future.

How Does Socket Preservation Improve Aesthetic Outcomes?

  • Improved Aesthetic Outcomes
    • Keeping the natural shape of your gum tissue allows your dentist to create bespoke crowns/bridges/dentures to look completely natural.

4. What Are the Different Types of Bone Graft?

There are a few different types of safe, effective and clinically proven bone grafts that can be used by your oral surgeons.

What Is an Auto graft?

  • Auto graft
    • Bone is taken from another area of your body. This means bone has excellent growth potential.

What Is an Allografts?

  • Allografts
    • Human bone is used from a donor. This undergoes a strict sterilization process and is obtained from a certified tissue bank.

What Is a Xenografts?

  • Xenografts
    • Sterilized animal bone is used. Usually this is obtained from a cow and will take a long time to break down.

What Is an Alloplasts?

  • Alloplasts
    • Synthetic bio compatible materials are used. These can include calcium phosphate and bio active glass.

5. Who Should Have Socket Preservation After Tooth Removal?

Socket Preservation can benefit some patients greatly.

Should You Have Socket Preservation If You Are Planning to Have an Implant?

  • Planning To Have An Implant
    • If you are planning to have a permanent implant to replace your missing tooth you should always ask for Socket Preservation.

Should You Have Socket Preservation When Getting a Dental Bridge?

  • Getting A Dental Bridge
    • Socket Preservation will help to prevent ugly gaps and dark shadows appearing underneath your bridge.

Should You Have Socket Preservation After Front Tooth Extraction?

  • Front Tooth Extraction
    • If you are having a visible front tooth removed Socket Preservation should be carried out to prevent the thin bone wall from collapsing.

Should You Have Socket Preservation If You Have Bone Loss?

  • Bone Loss
    • Those with gum disease or severe root infections will need bone grafting.

6. What Is the Healing Process After Socket Preservation?

Healing after Socket Preservation will be smooth as long as you follow the advice given by your dental team.

What Happens During the First 24 Hours?

  • Blood Clot
    • During the first 24hrs a firm blood clot will form over the surgical site.

How Can You Manage Swelling and Pain?

  • Swelling & Pain
    • Over the counter anti-inflammatory painkillers and cold compresses will help reduce any small amount of swelling and discomfort.

When Does Gum Tissue Grow Over the Site?

  • Gum Tissue Growth
    • In 2-3 weeks your natural gum tissue will grow over the protective membrane.

When Does Bone Regrowth Occur?

  • Bone Regrowth
    • After 3-6 months your body will replace the bone graft with natural bone.

7. How Should You Care for Your Mouth After Socket Preservation?

Following strict aftercare will help protect your fragile bone graft and encourage natural healing.

Why Should You Avoid Touching the Surgical Site?

  • Don’t Touch Site
    • Do not touch the surgical site with your fingers or tongue and don’t spit forcefully for 2 days.

Why Should You Avoid Using Straws?

  • Don’t Use Straws
    • Using a straw will create suction in your mouth and may cause the blood clot to come away.

Which Soft Foods Should You Eat?

  • Soft Diet
    • Eat soft foods such as yogurt, cold soups, scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes.

Why Should You Bite on the Opposite Side?

  • Bite On Opposite Side
    • Make sure you bite and chew everything on the opposite side to the surgical site.

How Should You Maintain Gentle Oral Hygiene?

  • Gentle Oral Hygiene
    • Brush your other teeth as normal however rinse with warm salt water or prescription chlorhexidine mouthwash to keep things gentle.

What Should You Include in Your Socket Preservation Checklist?

  • Ask your dentist if they can carry out Socket Preservation.
  • Ensure you go to a qualified oral surgeon/endodontist who has lots of experience with bone grafting.
  • Follow all aftercare instructions to ensure the protective membrane and blood clot remain undisturbed.
  • Avoid smoking and using tobacco products as nicotine can greatly reduce blood flow and affect bone growth.
  • Keep oral hygiene gentle to keep bacteria levels low.
  • Book follow up appointments to check your bone is regrowing and plan your future implant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Socket Preservation

Is Socket Preservation Painful?

No, Socket Preservation is completely pain free as your mouth will be numbed by your dentist. There will be some mild discomfort after the procedure however this is very similar to having a normal tooth extraction. Any temporary discomfort can be managed easily with over the counter anti-inflammatory painkillers.

Can I Have an Implant At The Same Time As Socket Preservation?

In some cases where there is lots of initial bone density, dentists can place an immediate implant and fill any gaps with graft material. However most practitioners will prefer to place the bone graft first and allow it to mature for 3-6 months before inserting the titanium post.

What If I Don’t Have Socket Preservation?

Without Socket Preservation your jawbone will shrink over the next few months. This can make it impossible to place an implant without having more invasive and costly bone grafting procedures. It can also cause your surrounding teeth to shift and cause facial sagging.

How Long Until The Bone Graft Turns Into Real Bone?

Over 3-6 months your body will absorb the bio compatible bone graft and replace it with natural living bone cells. Your dentist will take digital x-rays or 3D CBCT scans to check your new jawbone is strong enough to support a permanent restoration.

Socket Preservation is a safe, effective and important investment in your long term oral health. Having bio compatible bone graft placed in to the socket after your tooth has been extracted will stop bone loss, help protect your natural facial shape and give you a strong base for future restorations. Speak to your dental specialist today to find out how Socket Preservation can help protect your smile.