Socket Preservation Procedure

Preserving Your Jaw Bone after Extraction

Removal of teeth is sometimes necessary because of pain, infection, bone loss or fracture of the tooth. The bone that holds the tooth in place (the socket) is often damaged by disease and/or infection resulting in deformity of the jaw after the tooth is extracted. In addition, when teeth are extracted, the surrounding bone and gums can shrink and recede very quickly after the extraction resulting in unsightly defects and collapse of the lips and cheeks.

These jaw defects can create major problems in performing restorative dentistry whether your treatment involves dental implants, bridges or dentures. Jaw deformities from tooth removal can be prevented and repaired by a procedure called socket preservation. Socket preservation can greatly improve your smile’s appearance and increase your chances for successful dental implants for years to come.

Several techniques can be used to preserve the bone and minimize bone loss after an extraction. In one common method, the tooth is removed and the socket is filled with bone or bone substitute. It is then covered with gum, artificial membrane, or tissue stimulating proteins to encourage your body’s natural ability to repair the socket. With this method, the socket heals eliminating shrinkage and collapse of surrounding gum and facial tissues. The newly formed bone in the socket also provides a foundation for an implant to replace the tooth. If your dentist has recommended tooth removal, be sure to ask if socket preservation is necessary. This is particularly important if you are planning on replacing the front teeth.

Big Sky Oral & Facial Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 20 Socket Preservation reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Christy D

Their whole goal is to do a good job and make sure you're comfortable while they're doing it! Really appreciate that!

- Christy D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Justin B

Definitely recommend!

- Justin B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Malcolm F

My wife was referred to Dr. Wallis after two local and excellent dentists decided that the care needed to resolve the issue was outside their scope. Within an hour Dr. Wallis decided on a plan of care that involved admission to the ER, a CT scan and surgery to resolve a large and aggressive abscess. Having a good bedside manner is one thing, but having the competence to deliver a solution and skill to remove the two affected teeth and drain the abscess is far more important. Dr. Wallis has both. All of this happened within 5 hours from start to finish. The follow up care has been excellent. My wife and I are extremely grateful.

- Malcolm F

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Kirsten T

Wonderful office with very friendly staff!

- Kirsten T

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By KEITH B M

Lucky enough to be my second visit to bigskyofs!! The second time was even better than the first! Dr Wallis and staff are amazing! If their services are recommended, don’t hesitate!!!

- KEITH B M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Michael A

These guys are professional and made a surgery go well that is considered difficult for people over 25 years of age. I'm 44 and had no issues, minimal pain, and a lot of support.

- Michael A

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Hailey H

Thank you so much to Dr. Wallis and everyone on his team for all the genuine care and kindness put into every appointment and my entire jaw surgery. I highly recommend Big Sky Oral & Facial Surgery.

- Hailey H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Faith W

Dr. Wallis is simply the best. I have had Botox a few other times with varied results, but it was a night a day experience with Dr. Wallis. His unique skill set and expertise delivered the best results with the easiest application. He listened to me and made it look so natural and even. My husband even comments how much he likes it. Extremely happy. Couldn’t go anywhere else. Thank you, Big Sky Oral & Facial!

- Faith W

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Lope J

My wive, my daughter, and myself have all been patients of Dr. Wallis and his skilled staff. In each case our visits were quick, painless and handled expertly. We trust this team and wouldn’t go anywhere else.

- Lope J

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Heather A

Big Sky Oral and Facial was wonderful. As a young college student with no family close by, my wisdom teeth surgery felt a little scary. However, all the staff in this office was so kind, welcoming, and reassuring. I felt safe and comfortable the entire time I was in the office, and left with minimal (reasonable) pain. They did an amazing job and I'm so thankful I ended up at their office for my procedure!

- Heather A

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Eric M

Can't say enough good about this team. Dr Ryan and crew are amazing. At 45 having wisdom teeth removed is no fun but they all put my mind at ease. Procedure was far better than I thought and they walked me through step by step. Amazing support and care given here. I highly recommend them.

- Eric M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By James T

Quick wisdom teeth extraction with very quick recovery time.

- James T

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Richard R

Just a pity I live 12 hours south otherwise I would love to be treated by your clinic on regular base. Thank you, Richard

- Richard R

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Ray B

Thank you so much to everyone at Bigsky Oral and Facial surgery. The staff was so friendly and so helpful 10/10 would recommend!

- Ray B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Valerie S

I thank Dr Wallis for caring I have lived with extreme pain in my mouth for the past couple of years . Dr Wallis is going to take care of it all for me. He deserves a medal for the care he gives his community!!!

- Valerie S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Casey P

I can not say enough good things about Dr. Wallis and his staff! The receptionist was so helpful when it came to making my appointment & figuring out the cost. The surgical assistants are incredibly kind and helpful. Dr. Wallis took the time to explain everything to me and answer any questions I had, which helped calm my nerves so much! I highly recommend them to anyone needing their services!

- Casey P

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Brittney U

Not only did Dr. Wallis do an amazing job taking out my son's wisdom teeth, his enthusiastic, happy personality totally put my boys at ease. Dr. Wallis and his staff are seriously the best!!

- Brittney U

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Bob D

Wonderful office!

- Bob D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Wendy S

Thank you for the wonderful experience you all did a great job of easing my daughters nerves. She also had a short recovery with little pain. We will definitely be back for our next daughter.

- Wendy S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Colin C

Dr. Wallis and his staff are the best!

- Colin C

5 out of 5 stars on