Socket Preservation Post-Op Instructions

Socket Preservation involves placing small bone particles and sometimes a dissolvable membrane in the extraction site after a tooth is removed. The small bone particles are generally the size of coarse salt and a few particles usually find a way to work themselves out. This is of no consequence since plenty of bone was placed during the procedure. Simply discard the particles and if they were inadvertently swallowed, there is no need to worry.

Many times, a small piece of collagen is also placed over the bone in the socket to help hold it in place.  This collagen is dissolvable, but often comes out shortly after the procedure.  This is of no consequence.  Simply discard it or if it is swallowed, there is no need to worry.

If we placed a dissolvable membrane in the extraction site it can take 3-4 months to fully dissolve. During this time, small portions of the membrane or a corner can protrude above the gum line. If this is uncomfortable, you can contact our office to have the protruding portion removed. It will however, usually break down and fall off on its own shortly after it becomes exposed. Please do not try to remove it yourself as there is quite a bit more under your gums and if it is disturbed or moved during healing, it can cause the procedure not to be successful. There is usually a dissolvable suture over the extraction site that will come out on its own. If it should break free, you can usually remove it with gentle pulling or contact our office to have it removed if it is bothersome.

We will usually prescribe an antibiotic to be taken after socket preservation surgery since the dissolvable membrane and bone particles are foreign to your body. Please take the antibiotic as directed and make sure you take the entire prescription until it is gone.