Socket Preservation
A clinical procedure performed at the time of tooth extraction to minimize alveolar ridge resorption by placing grafting material and/or membranes within the extraction socket.
Full Definition
Socket preservation, also known as alveolar ridge preservation, involves placing bone graft material (autogenous, allograft, xenograft, or alloplastic) with or without a barrier membrane into the fresh extraction socket to support the healing clot and reduce the three-dimensional bone loss that typically follows tooth removal. The goal is to maintain sufficient bone volume for subsequent dental implant placement. Editors will find this term in implant planning documents, operative notes, and patient information literature. It should not be used interchangeably with 'socket grafting', although the two terms are closely related in practice.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from sinus lift (which augments the posterior maxilla superiorly) and from GBR (which uses membranes alone). The term should be two words, not hyphenated.
In Context
- "Socket preservation was performed immediately following extraction of the upper-left central incisor to maintain ridge dimensions prior to implant planning." — Operative note
- "The consent form for socket preservation should specify the type of graft material used and any associated risks of infection or membrane exposure." — Consent form review checklist