If you need to have a tooth removed, socket preservation is a crucial step that helps maintain the health and shape of your jaw. After a tooth is extracted, the empty socket that once held the root can begin to shrink as the surrounding bone resorbs. This bone loss can affect your facial structure, change your bite and complicate future tooth replacement options. At Petaluma Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center, we offer socket preservation to help protect your oral health and make future treatments more successful.
What Happens During Socket Preservation
Socket preservation is a type of bone grafting procedure performed immediately after tooth extraction. The goal is to prevent the socket from collapsing and losing volume. First, our oral surgeons will carefully extract the tooth using techniques that preserve as much natural bone as possible. Once the tooth is removed, the socket is thoroughly cleaned to remove any remaining tissue or infection.
Next, the surgeon places a biocompatible bone grafting material into the empty socket. This material may come from a human donor, an animal source or a synthetic substitute, depending on your unique needs. Once the graft is in place, it is covered with a collagen membrane and sealed with sutures or a protective plug. This process helps the bone regenerate and maintains the shape of the ridge over time.
Why Socket Preservation Matters
Preserving your bone volume is essential if you plan to receive a dental implant or bridge in the future. Without socket preservation, the ridge can narrow and lose height, which may require a more complex grafting procedure later. Even if you are not immediately replacing the missing tooth, maintaining your bone structure supports your overall oral health and facial symmetry.
Talk With Us About Your Options
If you are planning a tooth extraction, we encourage you to ask about socket preservation. This proactive step can make a significant difference in the long-term success of your treatment and the health of your jawbone. Contact our office at 707-769-1414 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jiries Mogannam, Dr. Vicente Chavez, Dr. Christopher Chow or Dr. William Verlinden and learn more about how socket preservation in Petaluma, California, can support your smile.
