Socket preservation

Socket preservation is a procedure performed to maintain the alveolar bone volume following tooth extraction, preventing the collapse of the socket walls and subsequent bone resorption. This procedure is often necessary to ensure the success of future dental implant placement.

Procedure

The socket preservation procedure is typically performed immediately after tooth extraction. The empty socket is filled with a bone graft material, which can be autogenous (from the patient's own body), allogenic (from a human donor), xenogenic (from an animal), or synthetic. The graft material serves as a scaffold for new bone growth.

After the graft material is placed, a collagen membrane is often used to cover the socket and protect the graft. The membrane also prevents the invasion of soft tissue cells into the graft site, which could inhibit bone growth. The socket is then sutured closed to hold the graft and membrane in place.

Benefits

Socket preservation can prevent the loss of alveolar bone volume that often occurs after tooth extraction. This bone loss can make it difficult to place a dental implant in the future. By preserving the socket, the procedure can increase the chances of successful implant placement.

In addition, socket preservation can improve the aesthetic appearance of the extraction site. Without socket preservation, the site may appear sunken or collapsed due to bone loss.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, socket preservation carries some risks. These may include infection, bleeding, and allergic reaction to the graft material. However, these risks are generally low.

See Also

• Dental implant
• Bone graft
• Alveolar bone

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Socket_preservation

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  Broken tooth prior to extraction

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  Extraction socket after tooth removal

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  Extraction socket with bone graft and barrier membrane

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  Barrier membrane in place

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  Socket preservation complete