When the decision is made to remove a tooth, it is important to prepare an ideal site for a future dental implant which will eventually replace the missing tooth. 

 

Right after the removal of a tooth, we have an opportunity to inspect the bone which supported the tooth and place a graft material that supports bone formation within the extraction socket. This bone graft material preserves the existing bone and overlying soft tissue following tooth removal and ensures that the site is ready for an eventual dental implant. This is called a "socket preservation" procedure.

 

The graft material is then covered with a natural fiber collagen material, which protects both the graft and newly forming bone.

 

4-6 Months following the socket preservation procedure the site should be ready to receive the dental implant.