After a tooth is extracted, the bone surrounding the tooth does not merely fill the cavity; it also enters a natural remodeling process. During this process, the bone thins by losing both height and width. Especially in the front region, this can lead to the appearance of a collapsed gum and to negative effects on the aesthetic result of a future implant or bridge. Knowing the answers to the questions of what socket preservation is and who it is applied to allows you to make more forward-looking decisions when a tooth extraction is being planned. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, together with the extraction decision, we also offer our patients in Türkiye options aimed at preserving the bone.
Why Is Bone Lost After Extraction?
Part of the bone surrounding the tooth is a structure that exists because of the tooth and supports it. When the tooth is extracted, this supporting role disappears and the bone remodels. The bone wall covering the outer surface of the tooth is usually very thin, especially in the front region, and can resorb easily after extraction. For this reason, bone loss mostly occurs from the outer side, that is, from the lip or cheek side. A significant part of the loss occurs in the first months after extraction.
What Is Socket Preservation?
Socket preservation is the procedure of filling the extraction cavity, that is, the socket, with bone graft immediately after the tooth is extracted and, when necessary, covering it with a protective membrane or tissue. The graft acts as a scaffold that helps preserve the shape of the cavity and is gradually replaced by new bone over time. The aim is not to completely prevent the bone loss naturally seen after extraction, but to limit it and to obtain a more suitable bone volume for future treatments.
Who Is It Recommended For?
- Those for whom an implant is planned in the future: If the implant cannot be done immediately and is planned for a few months later.
- Front region extractions: Situations where preserving the gum and bone contour is aesthetically important.
- Thin bone walls: Cases where the outer bone wall is seen to be very thin on tomography.
- Those for whom a bridge is planned: To reduce the appearance of collapse in the area under the pontic of the bridge.
- Situations where the implant must be postponed: Cases where the implant is postponed for reasons such as pregnancy, general health or personal planning.
When Might It Not Be Necessary?
If an implant will be placed in the same session as the extraction, if bone volume is sufficient or if a removable denture is planned to replace the missing tooth, socket preservation may not always be necessary. In some back region extractions, the procedure may also not be recommended if bone volume will remain sufficient. The decision is made according to the position of the tooth, bone structure and the forward-looking treatment plan.
How Is the Procedure Done?
Tissue-Preserving Extraction
The tooth is removed while taking care not to damage the surrounding bone walls. If necessary, the tooth is extracted by dividing it into pieces. This stage is important for the success of socket preservation.
Cleaning the Socket
The extraction cavity is carefully cleaned of inflamed tissue, if any.
Graft Placement
The socket is filled with a suitable bone graft material. The grafts used can be the patient’s own bone, tissue bank grafts, animal-derived mineral grafts or synthetic materials. The choice of material is made according to the case and the patient’s preference.
Closing the Socket
The graft is covered with a protective membrane, gum tissue or special materials, and stitches are placed if necessary.
The Healing Process
The healing process is generally similar to that of a normal tooth extraction. In the first days, mild swelling and sensitivity may be seen. It is important to protect the stitch area, not to strain the area and to follow the oral care instructions your dentist recommends. A small portion of the graft particles may come out into the mouth in the first days; in the case of a marked amount of loss or the wound opening, the clinic should be informed.
When Can the Implant Be Done?
It takes time for the graft to mature and be replaced by new bone. The implant is usually placed a few months later, after the bone structure has been evaluated with check-up imaging. The period varies according to the graft material used and the healing speed of the area.
Temporary Solutions in the Aesthetic Region
For patients who have had socket preservation in the front region, temporary solutions are planned so that they are not left without teeth during the healing period. Temporary removable prostheses or temporary teeth bonded to the neighboring teeth can be used. It is important that these temporary teeth are designed so that they do not put pressure on the graft area.
Staying away from smoking during this period is especially important for the success of the graft and bone formation.
Realistic Expectations
Socket preservation is an effective method that helps limit bone loss; however, it does not prevent the loss completely and does not always eliminate the need for additional grafting in the future. At DijiDent, we evaluate the bone walls with three-dimensional imaging before the extraction and openly share the benefit socket preservation will provide for you and the alternative options.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is limiting bone loss after extraction by filling the extraction cavity with bone graft.
No. It is considered for extractions where an implant or bridge is planned in the future, especially in the aesthetic region.
Usually a few months later, after the bone structure has been evaluated with check-up imaging.
It is done under local anesthesia; the healing process is similar to that of a normal extraction.
No. It helps limit the loss; however, it does not prevent it completely.
Before the extraction, let us also plan for the future.
Contact us to book an appointment to learn about options for preserving your bone after tooth extraction. Let us plan your treatment in three dimensions at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes and does not replace an examination by a dentist. The need for socket preservation and the material to be used are determined after clinical evaluation.
