Preserving Your Jaw Bone after Extraction

• Removal of teeth is sometimes necessary because of pain, infection, bone loss, or due to a fracture in the tooth.
• The bone that holds the tooth in place (the socket) is often damaged by disease and/or infection, resulting in a deformity of the jaw after the tooth is extracted.
• In addition, when teeth are extracted the surrounding bone and gums can shrink and recede very quickly, resulting in unsightly defects and a collapse of the lips and cheeks.


• These jaw defects can create major problems in performing restorative dentistry whether your treatment involves dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
• Jaw deformities from tooth removal can be prevented and repaired by a procedure called socket preservation.
• Socket preservation can greatly improve your smile's appearance and increase your chances for successful dental implants.


• Several techniques can be used to preserve the bone and minimize bone loss after an extraction.
• In one common method, the tooth is removed and the socket is filled with bone or bone substitute.
• It is then covered with gum, artificial membrane, or tissue, which encourages your body's natural ability to repair the socket.
• With this method, the socket heals, eliminating shrinkage and collapse of the surrounding gum and facial tissues.
• The newly formed bone in the socket also provides a foundation for an implant to replace the tooth.
• If your dentist has recommended tooth removal, be sure to ask if socket preservation is necessary.
• This is particularly important if you are planning on replacing the front teeth.