Socket Preservation is a special procedure to preserve the bone structure, which is carried out immediately after the removal of a tooth in order to preserve the jawbone as much as possible and to promote bone regeneration. The aim of this treatment is to create the best possible conditions for the subsequent tooth implantation and is mainly used in the upper front tooth region.
If a tooth has to be extracted and the affected area cannot be implanted immediately afterwards, there is a risk that the jawbone will recede. However, a severe regression of the bone material is a bad basis for an upcoming dental implant. For this reason, we carry out socket preservation in our practice to gently promote and preserve the bone structure and can also further support this with our holistic therapy approach.
What is a Socket Preservation?
If a tooth has to be extracted, it is then possible to restore the affected area with a dental implant. In most cases, the implant is placed immediately after the tooth is removed, but there are also cases where the tooth replacement can only be implanted after some time. If the area remains toothless for some time, the jawbone will recede relatively quickly. This happens especially with front teeth in the upper jaw, as the bone wall is very thin here. In any case, a receding jawbone is an unfavourable basis for a tooth implantation, as a stable and secure hold can only be given by an appropriate bone volume.
Socket preservation is a treatment method for bone augmentation, which is carried out to preserve the surrounding bone after tooth removal, so that the bone can regenerate quickly without reducing the bone volume. The aim of the treatment is to preserve the bone volume to such an extent that a solid basis for a tooth implantation is obtained.
Translated, socket preservation means “preservation of the alveolus”, but this term has been chosen in a slightly unfortunate way because the aim is to preserve the surrounding bone structure rather than the socket itself.
Socket preservation is carried out immediately after the tooth removal and completes the procedure.
The preservation of the bone through socket preservation is thus achieved by keeping the gums away from the surrounding bone as long as possible so that the bone can recover.
For this purpose, the empty tooth space is filled with a membrane of collagen or PRP (or a mixture of both). In some cases, however, it is also necessary to fill the empty tooth socket with the body’s own bone material.
This method can prevent the gums from sinking into the empty space, which inevitably leads to a loss of bone structure.
How exactly does a Socket Preservation work?
Socket preservation is the simplest form of bone augmentation and is performed in one treatment immediately after tooth removal. Even before the tooth is removed, a detailed diagnosis is carried out to determine whether a subsequent socket preservation is necessary.
After the tooth has been removed with complete elimination of pain, a membrane made of collagen or PRP (or a mixture of both) is inserted into the bony tooth socket and fixed with sutures. Now the oral mucosa can grow over the defect and the bone can regenerate underneath.
PRP is an autologous blood procedure and stands for platelet rich plasma (PRP). PRP is a proven and ultra-modern method for promoting wound healing and is obtained from the patient’s own blood. The concentrate obtained by centrifugation of the patient’s own blood is introduced locally into the tissue in question, where it supports and accelerates wound healing.
In the case of extensive defects, it may be necessary to insert shavings from the body’s own bone into the bony wound.
Since we follow a purely biological and holistic treatment approach in our practice, we completely avoid the use of artificial bone replacement material. Autologous bone material is as well tolerated by the body as possible and does not cause any intolerances or allergies.
Finally, a distinction is made between two procedures for socket preservation: Socket Preservation for later tooth implantation and socket preservation with immediate implantation.
Socket Preservation for later dental implantation
After the tooth is removed and the tooth socket is filled, the bone first heals while maintaining bone volume. The implantation is only carried out when the bone has completely regenerated and healed completely.
Socket Preservation for immediate implantation
Immediately after the tooth is removed, the missing bone substance is replaced and then the dental implant is placed immediately in order to make the best possible use of the body’s self-healing powers.