Ridge Preservation
A surgical procedure performed at the time of tooth extraction to maintain alveolar bone dimensions and prevent post-extraction ridge resorption.
Full Definition
Ridge preservation (also termed socket preservation) involves placing graft materials, membranes, or biologics into a fresh extraction socket to minimise the physiological bone and soft-tissue dimensional changes that follow tooth removal. Editors must recognise that ridge preservation is a prophylactic procedure, distinct from bone augmentation, which is remedial. In clinical research documents, the two should not be conflated. The term 'socket preservation' is often used interchangeably in North American literature, but editors working to a British or European style guide may find 'ridge preservation' preferred. Outcome measures typically reported include ridge width and height at defined intervals post-extraction, and these must be clearly distinguished from implant-level bone measurements.
Usage
Usage note: 'Socket preservation' and 'ridge preservation' may be used interchangeably, but choose one term and apply it consistently throughout a document.
In Context
- "Ridge preservation was performed immediately following atraumatic extraction using a collagen plug and resorbable membrane." — Clinical protocol document
- "The review distinguished ridge preservation from bone augmentation, noting the former is prophylactic and the latter is remedial." — Systematic review introduction