Socket Preservation in Sydney 

When a tooth is removed, it leaves an empty space in your jawbone. Over time, the bone around the area can naturally shrink because it is no longer needed to support a tooth.

Socket preservation, also called alveolar ridge preservation, is a simple procedure that helps minimise this bone loss after a tooth extraction. It involves placing a safe, biocompatible bone-grafting material into the empty socket to help support the area as it heals.

Why is Socket Preservation important?

It may seem like once a tooth is removed, the job is done. But what happens to the bone underneath is also important.

After an extraction, your body naturally starts to resorb the bone that was supporting the tooth. If too much bone is lost, it can make replacing the tooth more challenging in the future.

Keeping as much of the natural bone as possible can be particularly helpful if you’re considering:

1. Dental implants – A dental implant needs enough healthy bone to provide a strong foundation. Preserving the socket can help maintain the bone needed for a future implant and may reduce the need for additional bone grafting.
2. Fixed dental bridge – Bone loss can cause the gum to sink or develop an indentation where the tooth was removed. This can sometimes create spaces around the replacement tooth where food can become trapped and may also affect the appearance of your smile.

What happens during Socket Preservation?

At Clear Dental, socket preservation can usually be done at the same time as your tooth extraction.

Once the tooth has been gently removed, we will carefully clean the area and place a biocompatible bone-grafting material, such as bone particles or a collagen plug, into the empty socket.

The area is then closed with dissolvable stitches to help protect the site while it heals.

The procedure is generally straightforward, but every patient and every extraction is different. Your dentist will examine the area and let you know whether socket preservation would be beneficial for you.

If you’re having a tooth removed and think you may want a dental implant or bridge in the future, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist about socket preservation before the extraction.

At Clear Dental, we’ll take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect. Our goal is to make your treatment as comfortable and straightforward as possible while helping you plan for your long-term dental health.

If you’re looking for tooth socket preservation in Sydney, get in touch with our friendly dental team to discuss your options.