Some patients know what to expect during a tooth extraction, but few know the details of what happens afterward. Once a tooth is removed, the empty socket begins to shrink—often faster than expected–leading to bone loss. Bone loss can affect the shape of your smile and make future treatments like implants more difficult.
An experienced dentist considers this process during treatment planning for patients undergoing teeth extractions in Medina, OH. Socket preservation may be recommended based on the condition of the surrounding bone and the patient’s long-term oral health goals.
What Is Socket Preservation and Why Does It Matter?
Socket preservation is a procedure performed immediately after a tooth is removed. When a tooth is extracted, the socket—the bone that once supported the tooth—can begin to lose volume. This natural shrinking process may change the shape of the gums and bone, reducing support for nearby teeth.
To help limit this change, a bone grafting material is placed in the empty socket. The material encourages the body to preserve bone height and width. In some cases, a protective membrane may be used to cover the area before suturing.
Sock preservation can maintain the site’s structure and stability to support future options, such as implants or bridges.
What Is Socket Preservation and Who Might Need It? | Teeth Extractions in Medina
Socket preservation is a conservative procedure performed during tooth extraction to help prevent bone loss. When a tooth is removed, the jawbone beneath it no longer receives stimulation from the root. Over time, this can cause the bone to shrink, sometimes within just a few weeks.
Placing bone grafting material into the empty socket supports healing and helps maintain the jaw’s natural shape and structure. This step can make a big difference in your future treatment options.
Patients who may benefit include:
- Those planning to get a dental implant.
- Patients with visible tooth loss, such as in the front of the mouth.
- Individuals with gum disease or bone loss.
- Anyone hoping to avoid additional surgeries later on.
How the Procedure Works at Landry Family Dentistry | Teeth Extractions in Medina
Socket preservation is a delicate and thoroughly planned part of a tooth extraction. Once a tooth is extracted, bone grafting material is gently inserted into the empty tooth socket to maintain the area’s shape and density. The material encourages natural healing and facilitates the body’s retention of bone that would otherwise be lost.
The procedure is often completed during the same visit as the extraction. Our practice uses advanced imaging and clinical diagnostics to guide treatment decisions and determine whether socket preservation is appropriate. By preserving bone early, future treatments—such as dental implants or bridges—can be placed with better stability and fewer complications.
The added step can make a lasting difference in long-term oral health and smile restoration for patients undergoing teeth extractions in Medina, OH.
Planning Starts Right After the Tooth Comes Out – Start Today
Tooth removal is not the end of treatment but the start of healing. Socket preservation offers patients a way to protect the area, reduce future complications, and keep their options open for implants or other restorations. It is a small step with long-term value.
If you are considering teeth extractions, Dr. Joseph Landry II, DDS, MAGD, FICOI, can explain your options and the benefits of socket preservation and help you plan for what is next.
At Landry Family Dentistry, care does not stop at removal—it continues with every decision that supports your lasting oral health. Schedule an appointment today.
