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Socket preservation

In North Palm Beach, FL

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(561) 705-0045
Socket preservation

Detailed Procedure Guide: Socket Preservation

Socket preservation is a common type of bone grafting that is designed to specifically counteract what happens after a tooth is extracted. Our dentists will place a barrier membrane or bone graft material in the socket to prevent the bone from shrinking while you wait for dental implants.

After a tooth is extracted, the bone that surrounds the roots of your teeth begins to erode away quickly. This can make it difficult or impossible to place dental implants in the future. Socket preservation can help to prevent this bone loss and ensure that you have a good foundation for dental implants.

There are two main types of socket preservation: barrier membrane placement and bone graft placement. Barrier membranes are a thin layer of material that is placed over the socket to prevent the bone from shrinking. Bone grafts are pieces of bone that are placed in the socket to add volume and strength.

Our dentists will discuss the best type of socket preservation for your individual needs. After the procedure, you will need to follow our dentists’ instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome.

What is the process for socket preservation?

Socket preservation is a procedure that involves placing a bone graft in the socket of a tooth that has been extracted. This helps to prevent the bone from shrinking and collapsing, which can make it difficult or impossible to place dental implants in the future.

The procedure is typically performed in our dentists’ office under local anesthesia. Our dentists will make a small incision in the gum tissue and remove the tooth. Then, they will place the bone graft material in the socket and cover it with a collagen membrane. A suture may be used to close the incision.

The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis and patients can go home the same day. There may be some pain and swelling after the procedure, but this usually resolves within a few days.

The type of bone graft material that is used depends on the individual patient’s needs. Our dentists may use a freeze-dried or synthetic bone graft material. These materials are safe and effective and they help to preserve the bone socket until dental implants can be placed.

Duration of the Process for Socket Preservation

Socket preservation is a minimally invasive procedure that is typically performed at the same time as a tooth extraction. Our dentists will place a bone graft or socket preservation material into the space where your tooth was just extracted. The graft material will be placed and sutured into place without complications. Our dentists will likely choose to cover the grafted material with a thin, resorbable collagen membrane and suture the wound closed.

The entire procedure typically takes about 30 minutes. After the procedure, you will be able to go home the same day. You may experience some pain and swelling, but this usually resolves within a few days.

Anesthesia for Socket Preservation

In most cases, socket preservation is done immediately after a tooth extraction. In this case, you will already have received a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Depending on the extent of the procedure and your anxiety level, nitrous oxide sedation, oral sedation, or intravenous sedation may also be used. It is important that you discuss sedation options in detail with our dentists during the consultation phase.

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(561) 705-0045

517 Northlake Blvd #3
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
(561) 783-2850

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FAQS

What is socket preservation, and why is it important?

Socket preservation is a procedure performed after a tooth extraction to prevent bone loss in the empty socket. After a tooth is removed, the bone that supported the tooth can begin to shrink and deteriorate. Socket preservation involves placing bone graft material into the extraction site to preserve the bone structure, ensuring a solid foundation for future dental implants or other restorative treatments.

When is socket preservation necessary?

Socket preservation is necessary when a patient plans to replace the extracted tooth with a dental implant or other restoration in the future. By preserving the bone and gum tissue at the extraction site, this procedure makes it easier to place an implant and prevents the jawbone from shrinking or changing shape, which can affect the appearance of your smile.

How is socket preservation performed?

After a tooth is extracted, bone graft material is placed into the empty socket to encourage new bone growth. The graft is covered with a membrane or stitches to protect it while healing. Over time, the graft integrates with the natural bone, preserving the structure of the jaw and allowing for future restorative treatments like dental implants.

How long does it take to recover from socket preservation?

Healing after socket preservation typically takes a few months, generally around 3 to 6 months, depending on the extent of the procedure. During this time, the bone graft material will integrate with the natural bone, creating a strong foundation for a dental implant. Mild discomfort or swelling may occur initially, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

What happens if I don’t get socket preservation after a tooth extraction?

If socket preservation is not performed, the bone and gum tissue around the extraction site can begin to shrink or collapse over time. This can make future dental procedures, such as implant placement, more difficult or even impossible without additional bone grafting. Socket preservation helps maintain the natural contour of the jaw and ensures that there is enough bone to support a future restoration.

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