Oral Surgery & Extractions
Socket & ridge preservation
A graft placed at extraction to protect the bone for a future implant.
Purpose
Limit bone shrinkage
When
At the extraction
Added time
A little
Benefit
Simpler later implant
Overview
After a tooth is removed the bone naturally shrinks — often most noticeably in the first six months. Socket (ridge) preservation places a bone graft into the empty socket straight after extraction to limit that shrinkage and keep the site in good shape for a future implant or bridge. It's done in the same visit as the extraction.
Common questions
Do I always need it?
No — it's most worthwhile when an implant is planned but won't be placed straight away, or where keeping the ridge shape matters for appearance.
Is it a separate appointment?
No, it's done in the same visit as the extraction, adding only a little time.
What's the benefit?
It preserves more bone width and height than letting the socket heal on its own, making later implant treatment simpler and more predictable.
Related topics
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026