Socket Preservation

What Is Socket Preservation?

Socket preservation is a bone grafting procedure performed immediately after a tooth extraction. The goal is to fill the empty socket with bone graft material to prevent bone loss and support healthy bone regeneration.

This procedure helps maintain bone height, volume, and contour, especially in areas visible when you smile. It is commonly recommended when you plan to replace a tooth with a dental implant or when preserving bone structure is important for long-term dental health.

You may benefit from socket preservation if:

• You are planning future dental implant placement.
• You have periodontal disease that has weakened the bone.
• The tooth being removed is in the upper jaw or visible area of your smile.
• You want to avoid changes in jaw shape or gum tissue after extraction.

Our Approach to Socket Preservation

Our board-certified oral surgeons, Dr. Epstein and Dr. Kim, use advanced technology and biologic materials to protect bone structure and prepare for future restorative treatment.

• Advanced Technology: 3D CBCT imaging provides detailed visualization of bone thickness, sinus position, and implant sites, allowing for precise planning and placement of bone grafts.
• Patient Comfort & Safety: The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and sedation options are available for added comfort. We use minimally invasive techniques and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) when appropriate to support soft tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
• Expertise in Bone Regeneration: Dr. Epstein and Dr. Kim are highly trained in bone grafting and oral surgery. Whether performing a single socket graft or preparing for single stage implants, their goal is always to promote optimal bone health and long-term stability.

What to Expect

Knowing what happens before, during, and after socket preservation can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your care. Our team walks you through each stage so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.

Consultation and Planning 

Your appointment begins with a detailed evaluation and CBCT scan to assess bone structure and determine the best graft material for your needs. We explain every step of the procedure and answer any questions so you can feel confident moving forward.

Day of the Procedure 

Socket preservation is performed immediately after tooth extraction. Once the tooth is removed, the bone graft material is carefully placed into the empty socket. The area is then covered with a protective membrane and the gum tissue is sutured to keep the graft secure while healing begins.

Healing and Follow-Up 

Over the next few months, your body gradually replaces the graft material with new bone through natural regeneration. This process strengthens the site for future implant placement and preserves your facial contours. Our team will schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and ensure your recovery is progressing as expected.

Dental Implants After Socket Preservation

Socket preservation maintains bone height and contour and creates a solid foundation for dental implants. In some cases, the implant can even be placed immediately after tooth extraction during the same surgical procedure.

When the surrounding bone is healthy and stable, immediate implant placement allows your surgeon to extract the tooth, place the bone graft material, and secure the implant all in one visit. This approach shortens overall treatment time, minimizes additional surgeries, and helps preserve the natural shape of the gum tissue.

For patients who require more healing time, implants are typically placed three to six months later once bone regeneration is complete. Using 3D imaging and precise surgical planning, your surgeon will determine the best timing for your case to ensure strong, predictable, and long-lasting results.

FAQs