Socket Preservation in Irvine, CA

Protect Your Jawbone & Prepare for Future Dental Implants

After a tooth extraction, the surrounding jawbone naturally begins to shrink, which can cause bone loss, shifting teeth, and changes in facial structure. Socket preservation is a bone grafting procedure that helps protect the extraction site, preventing jawbone deterioration and ensuring a strong foundation for future dental implants.

At Honest Oral Surgeon in Irvine, CA, our board-certified oral surgeons, Dr. Eric Kim, and Dr. Blair Ota specialize in socket preservation to help patients maintain optimal bone structure after tooth extraction. Whether you're planning for a dental implant in the future or want to preserve your jawbone for long-term oral health, this minimally invasive procedure can significantly benefit you.

What is Socket Preservation?

Socket preservation (also known as ridge preservation) is a bone grafting procedure performed immediately after tooth extraction. The goal is to maintain bone volume and prevent resorption, which occurs naturally when a tooth is removed.

How It Works:

After the tooth is extracted, the empty socket is filled with bone grafting material.
A biocompatible membrane may be placed over the graft to protect the site.
The area is sutured closed, and the healing process begins.
Over the next few months, the graft material integrates with the natural bone, preventing bone shrinkage and preserving the ridge’s shape.

Socket preservation ensures that the jawbone remains strong and ready for a future implant or other restorations.

Why is Socket Preservation Important?

When a tooth is extracted, the jawbone in that area starts to shrink because it no longer receives stimulation from chewing. If left untreated, this bone loss can lead to:

Difficulty placing future dental implants due to insufficient bone volume.
Changes in facial structure, result in a sunken or aged appearance.
Shifting of surrounding teeth, causing bite misalignment.
Difficulty wearing dentures due to uneven bone levels.

By preserving the bone immediately after extraction, socket preservation makes future dental procedures easier, more predictable, and more successful.

Who Needs Socket Preservation?

Socket preservation is recommended for patients who:

Plan to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant in the future.
Want to prevent jawbone deterioration after an extraction?
Are considering implant-supported dentures and need adequate bone volume.
Want to maintain a healthy and aesthetic smile after losing a tooth?

The Socket Preservation Procedure: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Tooth Extraction

The damaged or infected tooth is carefully removed to minimize trauma to the surrounding bone.

Step 2: Bone Graft Placement

A bone grafting material is placed into the empty socket to stimulate new bone growth.
The graft may come from your bone (autograft), a donor source (allograft), an animal source (xenograft), or a synthetic material.

Step 3: Membrane Protection & Suturing

A protective membrane is placed over the bone graft to help the healing process.
The gum tissue is sutured closed to allow for proper healing.

Step 4: Healing & Bone Integration

Over the next 3–6 months, the graft integrates with the natural jawbone, maintaining bone volume and density.
Once healed, the area is ready for implant placement or other restorations.

Recovery & Healing After Socket Preservation

What to Expect After Surgery

Mild swelling and discomfort for the first few days.
Over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication can help manage discomfort.
Avoid smoking, drinking through straws, and strenuous activity to prevent complications.
Stick to a soft food diet for the first few days to allow proper healing.

Full healing takes between 3–6 months, depending on the type of graft material used and individual healing factors.

Why Choose Honest Oral Surgeon for Socket Preservation?

At Honest Oral Surgeon, we provide advanced bone grafting solutions to help patients maintain a healthy, functional smile.

Board-Certified Oral Surgeons – Dr. Eric Kim & Dr. Blair Ota specialize in socket preservation and dental implant procedures.
State-of-the-art technology – We use 3D imaging for accurate bone assessment and treatment planning.
Comprehensive Bone Grafting Solutions – We offer socket preservation, ridge augmentation, and sinus lifts to ensure optimal bone health.
Comfort-Focused Care – We provide IV sedation for a stress-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Socket Preservation

Is socket preservation worth it?

Yes! Without socket preservation, the jawbone begins to shrink after tooth extraction, making future implant placement more difficult. This procedure prevents bone loss and preserves facial aesthetics.

How long does it take for socket preservation to heal?

Healing takes between 3–6 months, depending on bone graft type and individual healing factors. Once healed, the area is ready for dental implants or other restorations.

What is tooth socket preservation?

Tooth socket preservation is a bone grafting procedure performed immediately after a tooth extraction to prevent jawbone shrinkage and maintain a strong foundation for future dental work.

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Schedule Your Socket Preservation Consultation Today

If you need a tooth extracted and want to protect your jawbone for future dental implants, socket preservation is the best solution. Contact us today!