You have just had a tooth extracted. Your dentist mentioned placing a bone graft at the same time. This is called ridge preservation — and it happens immediately after your extraction while you are still numb.
Why the Socket Needs Protection
When a tooth is removed, the bone that once held it starts to resorb. That means it shrinks and loses height and width over time. This is completely normal, but it can cause problems if you plan to have an implant later. The bone loss makes the implant site less ideal for placement.
Ridge preservation stops this process from happening. A bone graft material is placed into the empty socket straight after extraction. This keeps the socket intact and gives it structure while it heals.
What Is the Graft Made Of?
The graft material is usually a bone substitute. It can be synthetic, from an animal source, or from a human donor. Your own bone is sometimes used too. All materials are safe and biocompatible — your body gradually replaces the graft with its own natural bone over time.
The graft is packed into the socket and sometimes covered with a collagen membrane. The area is then sutured closed. You leave the appointment with the site protected and ready to heal.
Healing and What to Expect
The graft integrates into your socket over several months. You might experience mild swelling or discomfort for a few days after the procedure. Your dentist will give you specific aftercare instructions to follow.
You should avoid rinsing forcefully, drinking through a straw, or smoking in the days after extraction. These can disturb the graft and affect healing.
Why It Matters for Implants
Ridge preservation makes implant placement much more straightforward. It keeps the bone volume intact so there is enough height and width to support an implant properly. Without it, you might need a larger bone graft later, which adds time and complexity to your treatment.
Not every extraction requires ridge preservation. If you are not planning an implant, your dentist might advise against it. But if implants are in your future, this extra step can save you a lot of trouble later on.
Book Your Consultation
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice