Site preservation refers to the placement of a bone graft at the time of tooth extraction.

Typically a sterilized bone graft from a bone bank is used. Without a bone graft, the jaw shrinks after the removal of a tooth. Our doctors make every effort to preserve the supporting bone when removing teeth. Then, bone grafts, collagen membranes, and growth factors are used to build up and/or retain the ideal bone for a future implant. Site preservation reduces the need for other bone augmentation procedures prior to implant placement and helps make implant placement very straightforward. Usually the grafts are allowed to heal for 3-6 months prior to implant placement.