Socket Preservation

This bone grafting procedure is done immediately after you have a tooth pulled. It helps keep your jaw from losing bone mass. This is important, because as your jaw loses bone, your teeth can shift out of place. This can make future corrective work more difficult.

Preparation

To start the procedure, you're given medicine to make you feel relaxed and numb. Then, we carefully remove your tooth. Now there's an empty socket in your jaw. This is where we'll place the graft.

Graft options

There are several types of graft material. We could make your graft from a piece of healthy bone taken from another part of your body. Bone from the back of your jaw, your hip, your chin, or some other area can be used. We could get bone from another donor. Or, we could use a synthetic bone material. We'll use the graft that's right for you.

Placing the graft

We place the graft in your socket, and then we cover it with a protective membrane. It may be a membrane that your body can absorb. Or, you may need to come back to have it taken out after your jaw has healed.

End of procedure

After the graft, you'll be watched for a short time, then you can go home. Follow all of your care instructions as your jaw heals. In the following weeks, new bone grows to fill the socket, and the graft bonds securely to your jaw.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.