Does every extraction need ridge preservation?
No. It depends on the tooth, socket shape, infection, future replacement plan, and whether the area is visible when you smile.
After tooth extraction
Socket Preservation & Ridge Preservation Brisbane
Ridge preservation, also called socket preservation, is a grafting procedure considered at the time a tooth is removed. It aims to limit ridge shrinkage and keep future implant options easier to assess.
Socket
Preservation planning
- Extraction site assessment
- 3D implant planning when needed
- Graft material discussion
- Healing and review timeline
Why socket shape matters
After a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone and gum naturally remodel. If an implant may be considered later, preserving the ridge can reduce the chance that more complex grafting is needed before implant placement.
Patient resource
Geistlich patient education material explains what can happen after tooth removal and why preserving bone volume may matter for later tooth replacement.
Read the tooth-removal patient leaflet (PDF)
Source material hosted locally with Geistlich branding retained.
Questions to ask
Can an implant be placed at the same visit?
Sometimes, but not always. Immediate implant placement depends on bone support, infection control, gum shape, bite forces, and the desired final restoration.
How long does healing take?
Healing is individual. Many socket grafts are reviewed over several months before implant placement is considered.
What are the risks?
Possible risks include swelling, bleeding, infection, graft exposure, delayed healing, altered gum shape, and the need for further grafting or a different replacement option.
Related procedures
Sinus floor elevation Upper back tooth implant planning near the sinus.
Minor bone augmentation Guided bone regeneration for smaller defects.
Major bone augmentation Staged grafting for significant bone loss.
Soft tissue regeneration Gum grafting for tissue thickness and recession.
Gum disease & peri-implantitis Stabilising gum disease before implants and managing inflammation after.
Bone grafting guide Graft biology, materials, healing stages and augmentation options.
Ready to Find Out Whether Dental Implants Are Right for You?
Request a free initial implant consultation to discuss your options. Our team will contact you to arrange a time. A $200 records fee applies only if you choose to take consultation records away.