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Oral surgery

Socket preservation in Saratoga Springs

Getting a tooth pulled and thinking about an implant down the road? Filling the empty socket right away can help keep the bone you will need later.

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What is socket preservation?

Socket preservation means placing graft material in the hole left after a tooth is taken out. It acts like a filler that holds the space while new bone grows in. This helps keep the ridge of your jaw from sinking.

  • Placed during your extraction appointment
  • Helps keep the bone you need for a future implant
  • Also called ridge preservation

When it makes sense

Once a tooth is gone, the jaw in that spot begins to lose height and width. Most of that change happens in the first several months. Filling the socket can slow it down.

  • You plan to replace the tooth with an implant
  • The tooth is in the front, where a sunken gum line would show
  • The bone around the tooth is already thin
  • You want to keep your options open even if you are not ready to decide

If you plan to replace the tooth with a bridge or denture, or leave the space open, you may not need it. Your dentist will tell you whether it is worth doing for your tooth.

How it works

  1. Before the extraction. Your dentist talks with you about your long-term plan for the space so you can decide ahead of time.
  2. Removing the tooth. The area is numbed and the tooth is taken out as gently as possible to protect the bone walls.
  3. Filling the socket. Graft material is packed into the empty space. A thin cover or a few stitches may hold it in place.
  4. Healing. Over the next three to six months, new bone grows in. Then your dentist checks the area and plans what comes next.

This step adds only a short amount of time to your extraction visit. It is often simpler than a larger bone graft later on.

The first week

Treat the area much like any extraction site. Bite on gauze until bleeding slows. Pick gentle meals like soup and mashed potatoes, and favor your opposite side. Avoid straws, spit hard or smoke while it heals. You may see a few small grains in your mouth over the first few days, which is normal. Call us if a lot of material comes out, or if pain or swelling grows after day three.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about socket preservation

What happens if I skip it?
The socket will still heal, but the bone may shrink more. That can make an implant harder later, and you might need a bigger graft first.
Does it hurt more than a regular extraction?
Most people notice little difference. You are numb for both steps. You may have some soreness for a few days, which you can often manage with medicine from the store.
How long until I can get an implant?
Many people wait about three to six months for the bone to fill in. Your dentist will check with x-rays before moving forward.
Does insurance cover socket preservation?
It depends on your plan. Our front desk can look it up and give you an estimate ahead of time. You can also browse our insurance and payment page.

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Questions?

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Our Saratoga Springs team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.

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