Socket Preservation

Socket preservation is a surgical procedure performed at the time of, or shortly after, tooth extraction to reduce the amount of bone lost from the tooth socket. The clinician typically places bone graft material (autograft, allograft, xenograft, or synthetic) into the socket and may cover it with a resorbable membrane to stabilise the graft and support soft tissue healing.

By maintaining bone volume and contour, socket preservation can make later restorative treatments—such as dental implants, bridges or dentures—simpler and more predictable, often reducing the need for more extensive bone grafting later. Recovery usually involves a short period of healing with routine follow-up; patients can expect some swelling and discomfort managed with pain relief and oral hygiene instructions while the graft integrates and the socket fills with new bone over several months.