Socket Preservation Procedure

Preserving Your Jaw Bone after Extraction

Socket preservation is a bone grafting procedure performed at the time of tooth extraction to help minimize bone loss and maintain the natural shape of the jaw. After a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone can shrink rapidly — in some cases losing up to 50–60% of its width during healing. Bone grafting helps significantly reduce this collapse and preserve the area for future treatment.

During the procedure, bone grafting material is placed into the extraction site to support the body’s natural healing process and help maintain the height and width of the jawbone. This can improve the long-term stability and appearance of the area while also helping support adjacent teeth and surrounding gum tissue.

Socket preservation is commonly recommended for patients considering future dental implants, but it can also be beneficial even if an implant is not planned immediately. Preserving the bone helps keep future treatment options open and may reduce the need for more extensive grafting procedures later.

The procedure is typically completed at the time of extraction using local anesthesia, with sedation options available for patient comfort.