Review of Socket Preservation Technique

Following extraction of the teeth, the remaining socket heals from the apex toward the crest. When nothing is placed into the socket at the time of tooth removal, the infiltration of soft tissue at the crest often results in facial and crestal bone loss. Many literatures consider socket preservation as a necessity for further esthetic considerations in the pre-prosthetic and corrective procedures of the alveolar ridge upon and post extraction. Routine bone grafting of alveolar sockets after the extraction of teeth has been a controversial subject which relates to a multitude of factors recently reported in the literature. Prior to the introduction of various bone grafting materials and membranes, the socket historically was allowed to heal by secondary intention. This method of wound closure has been the main course of post-operative management of the socket.