Socket preservation is a technique used to maintain the shape and strength of your jawbone after a tooth is removed. It involves placing a material into the empty socket immediately after extraction to support bone health and prevent deterioration. By doing this at the same time as the extraction, our team can help protect your bone structure and reduce the chances that you’ll need additional procedures in the future.
At Eastern Shore Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery Center in Fairhope, AL, Dr. Richard Cordero often recommends socket preservation when an extraction is necessary. This treatment plays a key role in making sure that your jawbone stays strong enough for dental implants or other restorations down the road.
Whenever possible, our team tries to avoid removing a tooth. However, there are situations where an extraction is the healthiest option, especially if a tooth is badly damaged or could harm surrounding teeth. After an extraction, it’s normal for the bone that once supported the tooth to begin shrinking over time. This natural process, known as resorption, can make future dental treatments more complex if left unaddressed.
That’s where socket preservation comes in. Placing bone grafting material into the socket right after the tooth is removed helps the area heal properly and prevents the jawbone from shrinking. This can also help keep your smile looking natural and ensure there’s enough support for future treatments like dental implants or bridges.
During the extraction, Dr. Cordero will carefully remove the tooth while working to keep the surrounding bone intact. Once the area is cleaned, a special material is placed into the empty socket to help stimulate bone healing. In some cases, a small membrane is also placed over the graft to protect the site and encourage proper recovery. The area is then gently closed so that healing can begin.
This added step helps preserve the shape of the bone and improves the chances of successfully placing a dental implant or other restoration later on. Every detail of the process is designed with long-term results in mind.
If some bone has already been lost or the socket has collapsed, Dr. Cordero may recommend a separate bone grafting procedure to rebuild the area. Bone grafts are a common and effective way to strengthen your jaw and create a solid foundation for future dental work.
Whether it’s done as part of your socket preservation treatment or as a follow-up procedure, our practice in Fairhope, AL offers trusted, experience-based care in bone grafting to restore both function and appearance to your smile.
Once healing is complete, Dr. Cordero will review your options for restoring the missing tooth. Dental implants are often a preferred solution because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. However, depending on your needs, a bridge or partial denture may also be considered.
By taking steps to preserve the socket early, we help keep those options open and increase the likelihood of a stable, long-lasting result.
If you’re planning a tooth extraction, ask Dr. Cordero and our team about socket preservation and how it can help protect your oral health. Preserving your natural bone now can make future treatment simpler and more predictable.
Call Eastern Shore Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery Center today at 251-577-8302 to schedule your visit and learn more about socket preservation and bone grafting in Fairhope, AL.
251-577-8302