When a tooth is removed, what happens next matters—especially if you’re planning for a future dental implant. That’s where socket preservation comes in.
At EOS Oral Surgery, we often recommend socket preservation immediately following a tooth extraction. This simple yet effective procedure helps maintain the structure of your jawbone, prevent future complications, and prepare your mouth for long-term oral health and restorative treatments like dental implants.
Here’s why it’s an important part of your treatment plan—and how it works.
What Is Socket Preservation?
Socket preservation is a type of bone grafting procedure performed at the time of tooth extraction. After the tooth is removed, a grafting material is placed directly into the empty socket (the space where the tooth once was). This helps:
- Maintain the bone’s natural height and width
- Prevent the surrounding bone from collapsing inward
- Support future dental restorations, such as implants
Why Bone Loss Happens After Tooth Extraction
Your jawbone relies on stimulation from chewing to stay strong and healthy. When a tooth is removed, that stimulation disappears, and the bone beneath the missing tooth can begin to deteriorate.
- In the first year after tooth loss, jawbone width can shrink by up to 25%
- This can make it difficult—or even impossible—to place a dental implant later without additional grafting
- Bone loss can also affect adjacent teeth and alter facial appearance
“Preserving the socket at the time of extraction gives patients a head start. It’s a small step that protects the jaw’s shape, saves time later, and increases the success of future procedures.”
— Dr. Brett Voegele, Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Who Should Consider Socket Preservation?
Socket preservation may be recommended if:
- You plan to get a dental implant in the future
- You want to preserve your facial structure after tooth loss
- You are removing a tooth due to infection, trauma, or decay
- You want to minimize the chance of needing additional surgery later
Even if you’re unsure about your future plans, preserving the socket now gives you more flexibility and better outcomes down the line.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Socket preservation is a quick and minimally invasive procedure, often completed at the same time as your tooth extraction:
- Tooth Extraction – The tooth is gently removed from the socket.
- Graft Placement – A bone grafting material is inserted into the socket.
- Closure – The site is covered with a membrane and sutured to protect healing.
- Healing – Over the next few months, the graft material integrates with your natural bone.
You’ll receive post-op instructions to care for the site and support a smooth recovery.
Your Long-Term Oral Health Starts Here
At EOS, we focus on more than the procedure—we focus on your future. Socket preservation is just one of the ways we help patients protect their oral health and stay on track for long-term success with implants and restoration of their teeth.
Whether you’ve just learned you need a tooth extracted or you’re exploring dental implants, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
