When a tooth is extracted, the bone that once supported it can begin to shrink over time. To prevent this bone lossespecially when planning for a future dental implantmany patients undergo a socket preservation procedure, which involves placing bone graft material into the empty socket after tooth extraction.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we guide patients through every step of this process, including healing. This comprehensive guide explains what to expect during recovery and how to care for your mouth after socket preservation surgery.
What Is Socket Preservation?
Socket preservation is a minor surgical procedure performed immediately after a tooth extraction. It involves filling the empty socket with a bone graft material and sealing it with a membrane or stitches to:
Prevent bone shrinkage
Preserve the natural contour of the jaw
Prepare the site for a future dental implant or bridge
What to Expect After Socket Preservation
Common symptoms include:
Mild to moderate swelling
Minor bleeding for the first 24 hours
Gum tenderness or soreness
Occasional bruising near the extraction site
Small granules of bone graft material may sometimes feel loosethis is typically normal early in healing
Key Recovery Tips After Socket Preservation
1. Manage Bleeding and Swelling
Bite gently on the gauze pad placed by your dentist for 3060 minutes.
Apply an ice pack (20 minutes on, 20 off) to the cheek for the first 2448 hours to reduce swelling.
2. Protect the Surgical Site
Avoid touching the area with your tongue or fingers.
Do not use a straw, spit forcefully, or smoke for at least 35 days to prevent disturbing the blood clot and graft material.
3. Follow a Soft Food Diet
Eat soft foods like:
Yogurt
Mashed potatoes
Applesauce
Scrambled eggs
Oatmeal
Smoothies (without a straw)
Avoid chewy, crunchy, spicy, or hot foods that can disturb healing.
4. Gentle Oral Hygiene
Brush teeth away from the surgical site with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Start warm saltwater rinses (½ teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water) after 24 hours, 23 times daily, especially after eating.
Avoid vigorous rinsing.
5. Take Prescribed Medications
Use any antibiotics, pain relievers, or anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed by McLevin Dental.
6. Rest and Elevate Your Head
Avoid strenuous activity for 4872 hours.
Sleep with your head elevated using extra pillows to reduce swelling.
What to Avoid
Smoking and vaping (delays healing and increases risk of infection)
Alcohol (can irritate tissues and interfere with medications)
Hot beverages for the first few days
Touching or poking the surgical area
How Long Does Healing Take?
Soft tissue healing: 23 weeks
Bone graft healing: 36 months (this is when bone growth stabilizes enough for dental implants)
Your dentist will monitor healing and let you know when its safe to proceed with a dental implant or other restorations.
When to Call McLevin Dental
Reach out if you experience:
Persistent bleeding beyond 24 hours
Swelling that worsens after 34 days
Severe pain not controlled by medication
Pus, foul odor, or signs of infection
Fever or chills
Feeling of the graft material excessively coming out
Long-Term Care for Socket Preservation Success
Brush and floss daily, avoiding the graft area during early healing.
Attend all follow-up appointments at McLevin Dental for professional monitoring.
Once healed, maintain excellent oral hygiene to support your future implant or restoration.
Trust McLevin Dental for Safe, Comfortable Healing
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, our priority is to make your socket preservation experience and recovery as smooth and successful as possible. Our expert team is ready to guide you through aftercare and help you move forward with the next steps in restoring your smile.
If you have questions or concerns about your socket preservation recovery, contact us. We’re here to support you every step of the way.