Surgical & Laser

After a tooth extraction, the gum heals down in the socket before the bone has time to completely reform, leaving a resorbed ridge. To prevent bone resorption after extraction, we suggest the socket be filled with a material (bone graft) that reduces gum shrinkage or the socket be isolated with a membrane that prevents gum downgrowth (See Guided Tissue Regeneration). Treating the problem before it occurs is ideal.

Without treatment, gum downgrowth into the socket after extraction.	Membrane placed over extraction site to prevent gum downgrowth, allowing bone time to fill socket.

Socket after extraction	Membrane sutured in place

At 6 months, bone healed without shrinkage