Comprehensive Socket Preservation at Valley Oral Surgery in Livermore and Dublin, CA

What Is Socket Preservation?

Socket preservation is a type of bone grafting procedure performed immediately after tooth extraction to help preserve the shape, height, and volume of the surrounding jawbone. It prevents the bone from collapsing into the space where the tooth once was — which often happens if no grafting material is placed.

Without socket preservation, the bone ridge can shrink significantly in the months following extraction. This can affect your appearance, make future dental implant placement more difficult, and reduce the stability of bridges or dentures.

Why Bone Loss Happens After Extraction

When a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone loses its primary source of stimulation — the pressure created by chewing forces. This leads to a natural process called bone resorption, where the body gradually dissolves the bone in that area.

Within just 3 to 6 months, patients may experience:

• 25–50% reduction in ridge width
• Loss of bone height and density
• Changes in facial contour or gumline
• Limited space for implant placement

Socket preservation protects against this by filling the socket with graft material and encouraging healthy bone regeneration.

When Socket Preservation Is Recommended

Socket preservation is typically performed at the time of tooth extraction, especially when:

• A dental implant is planned in the future but not placed immediately
• The tooth being removed is in a visible or high-function area
• You wish to maintain ridge shape for aesthetic reasons
• You want to prevent long-term bone loss in the area

If your goal is to replace a tooth with a dental implant, socket preservation significantly improves the predictability of later implant surgery.

How the Procedure Works

Socket preservation is a minor procedure that typically takes place during the same visit as your tooth extraction.

Here’s what to expect:

• Tooth Extraction: The tooth is gently removed using standard surgical techniques.
• Socket Cleaning: The empty socket is carefully cleaned to remove debris or infection.
• Placement of Bone Graft Material: A small amount of bone graft (from a donor, synthetic, or other biocompatible source) is placed into the socket.
• Membrane or Collagen Plug Placement: A barrier may be placed over the graft to protect it and encourage tissue healing.
• Suturing: The site is sutured closed, and healing begins immediately.

The entire process is typically completed in under an hour and is well-tolerated under local anesthesia or IV sedation if desired.

Types of Bone Graft Materials Used

The graft used in socket preservation may include:

• Allograft: Processed donor bone from a tissue bank
• Xenograft: Bone from a safe animal source
• Synthetic materials: Biocompatible bone substitutes
• Autograft: Your own bone (less common for socket preservation)

Your oral surgeon will select the best material for your case based on your medical history and long-term restoration plan.

Benefits of Socket Preservation

• Prevents bone collapse and maintains ridge shape
• Creates a strong foundation for future implants
• Improves esthetic results, especially in the front of the mouth
• Reduces the need for larger bone grafts later
• Helps preserve natural facial contours

Socket preservation is often the most efficient and cost-effective way to preserve bone after extraction.

Healing and Recovery

Healing from socket preservation is very similar to a standard tooth extraction. You can expect:

• Mild swelling or soreness for 1–3 days
• Normal healing of gum tissue over 1–2 weeks
• Full bone healing over 3–6 months, depending on graft size and location

You’ll receive personalized surgical aftercare instructions to promote healing and avoid complications. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to assess healing and discuss your next steps.

Who Performs the Procedure?

Socket preservation at Valley Oral Surgery is performed by experienced, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons:

• Anna Lu, DMD
• Jimmy Tung Nguyen, DDS, MD

Our offices in Livermore and Dublin are equipped with advanced technology and offer multiple sedation options to ensure a safe, comfortable experience.