Socket Preservation 770x500

Socket Preservation

Socket preservation, also known as alveolar ridge preservation, is a procedure aimed at minimizing bone loss following tooth extraction. This technique is essential for maintaining the natural contour of the jawbone and providing a stable foundation for future dental restorations, such as dental implants.

What is socket preservation?

After a tooth is extracted, the surrounding bone can undergo significant resorption, leading to a reduction in both height and width of the alveolar ridge. Socket preservation involves placing a bone graft material into the empty tooth socket immediately after extraction. This approach helps to maintain the volume and integrity of the bone, preventing the common occurrence of bone loss post-extraction.

The socket preservation procedure: What to expect

1 Tooth Extraction

The process begins with the careful removal of the tooth, ensuring minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues.

2 Graft Placement

Once the tooth is removed, the socket is thoroughly cleaned, and a bone graft material— which can be synthetic, bovine-derived, or human donor bone—is placed into the socket.

3 Membrane Application

A resorbable or non-resorbable barrier membrane may be placed over the graft to protect it and facilitate proper healing.

4 Suturing

The gum tissue is then repositioned and sutured to secure the graft and membrane in place.

5 Healing Phase

Over the next few months, the graft material integrates with the existing bone, preserving the socket's dimensions and providing a solid foundation for future dental work.

Why is socket preservation important after an extraction?

Without socket preservation, the alveolar ridge can lose up to 30–60% of its volume within the first six months following extraction.

This bone loss can lead to several complications

Without adequate bone support, the jaw may weaken, causing shifts in surrounding teeth and making it more challenging to restore normal oral function. This can affect both the aesthetic and functional outcome of future dental procedures.

Compromised Aesthetics

Bone loss can result in noticeable changes to facial structure, leading to a sunken appearance.

Difficulties with Dental Implants

Adequate bone volume is crucial for the successful placement and stability of dental implants. Insufficient bone may necessitate additional procedures, such as bone grafting, before implant placement.

Prosthetic Challenges

For patients opting for dentures or bridges, maintaining the natural contour of the jawbone ensures a better fit and function of the prosthetic appliance.

Benefits of socket preservation for your oral health

Implementing socket preservation offers several advantages:

Prevention of Bone Loss

By maintaining the alveolar ridge's dimensions, socket preservation prevents the common issue of bone resorption post-extraction.

Enhanced Aesthetic Outcomes

Preserving bone structure supports the natural appearance of the gums and overall facial aesthetics.

Facilitates Future Dental Procedures

Maintaining bone volume simplifies the process for future dental implants or other restorative treatments, reducing the need for additional surgeries.

Why choose Neola Dental for socket preservation in Minneola?

At Neola Dental, we prioritize patient care and employ advanced techniques to ensure optimal outcomes:

Expertise

Our team has extensive experience in performing socket preservation procedures with a high success rate.

Personalized Care

We assess each patient's unique needs to develop a tailored treatment plan that aligns with their oral health goals.

State-of-the-Art Facility

Utilizing the latest technology, we provide efficient and effective treatments in a comfortable environment.

Opinions about socket preservation treatments

Christine Shelton
18:40 25 Mar 25
Omaira Briceno
16:33 15 Mar 25
Excellent attention from the moment you arrive until you leave the office! Dr. Contreras is our dentist, my son's too, she is an excellent professional. The procedure they performed on me was Excellent at all times, they give you security, you feel comfortable, all the staff on their team in the office are pleasant, they always have a smile to assist you kindly and are most willing to help you. Thank you all for your maximum quality of care and professionalism every day. We are very happy to have found the best dentist and an office that provides the best service. Neola dental I recommend 100%
Abel Lorenzo
12:30 12 Mar 25
I loved the attention and excellent treatment
Robin Rivera
22:44 07 Mar 25
Absolutely loved this office for my daughter's first time visit. They're super clean, super friendly, patient, + professional. Planning to get the whole family in. Thank you to the front desk, Esther, and Dr. Contreras!
Jenny Wright
14:26 07 Mar 25
For a. Pearson that has fear of getting any dental work, this was one of my best decisions to come here! I’m there weekly now. From extremely clean but also caring and supportive to my personal issues and struggles I can’t imagine being anywhere else! Please do not change ever who you all truly are & forget why you got into this, to give ppl like me there confidence back but also the support, guidance & humbleness is what will always have you successfully blessed! Thank you. Thank you thank you
Deborah Olarte
16:05 21 Feb 25
All the staff is very friendly, they welcome you with a smile on their faces, they make you feel very comfortable. The dentist is also very professional and expert.
Paul Cavitt
13:26 16 Feb 25
Very informative and so personable
Abel Lorenzo
14:19 09 Feb 25
Teresa Eberling
19:22 08 Feb 25
Lovely, clean office. The staff is knowledgeable and caring.
Mark Ammaturo
19:04 08 Feb 25
The nicest staff made me feel so comfortable my new dentist is the best Esther was so nice
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Other Oral Surgery Services at Neola Dental

In addition to socket preservation, Neola Dental offers a comprehensive range of oral surgery services, including:

Frequently Asked Questions about Socket Preservation

Not always, but it’s highly recommended if you plan to get a dental implant later. It helps maintain the bone structure and prevents shrinkage of the jawbone after a tooth is removed.

We use biocompatible materials like bone grafts (synthetic, bovine, or human donor bone) to fill the socket and promote new bone growth. This helps preserve the area for future dental work.

Yes! By preserving the socket right after extraction, we can often avoid the need for a more complex bone graft later. It helps maintain the jawbone’s natural shape and density.

It provides a strong and stable foundation for an implant by preventing bone loss. A well-preserved socket ensures the implant integrates properly with the bone, increasing long-term success.

Socket Preservation