Socket Preservation After Tooth Extraction

These days, with the possibility of dental implants, tooth extraction has become more involved.  Instead of relying on simple wound healing, there is now a procedure aimed at minimizing bone resorption.  The healing of extraction sockets is accompanied by marked ridge resorption (shrinkage) within the first 3 to 4 months, with approximately 50% horizontal bone loss in the first 12 months.  The ridge resorbs in both height and width.  It has been shown that "socket preservation"--the proper placement of bone graft materials in the residual socket at the time of extraction allows the site to heal more closely to its original anatomy.  The socket preservation technique involves the placement of bone replacement materials and coverage with a membrane.  The replacement materials maintain space and serve as a scaffold for bone growth, while coverage with a membrane provides a barrier to soft tissue ingrowth that interferes with bone development.  Studies have shown that graft materials, when healed, provide high quality bone for implant placement.  Socket preservation also lessens the need for additional bone graft procedures at the time of implant placement.  

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309