Socket preservation in Dubai — grafting at extraction to keep bone for an implant

Key facts

• Bone often shrinks most in the first months after extraction
• A graft placed at extraction limits ridge collapse
• Especially useful for front teeth and thin bone
• Implant often planned after about 3–6 months
• Smoking reduces graft success

Why bone shrinks after an extraction

The bone around a tooth — the alveolar bone — exists to support that tooth. Once the tooth is removed, the body begins to remodel the area. The thin outer wall, especially on the cheek side at the front of the mouth, often resorbs, and the ridge becomes narrower and lower. Much of this change tends to happen in the first months after extraction. A narrower ridge can make implant placement more complex, may require additional grafting later, and can leave a visible dip in the gum line that affects the look of a front tooth replacement. Socket preservation aims to reduce this collapse.

When socket preservation is worth it

Socket preservation is often recommended when an implant is planned but cannot be placed immediately — for example because of infection, the patient’s timing, or the shape of the socket. It is particularly useful for front teeth where appearance matters, where the outer bone wall is thin or damaged, or where the socket is near the sinus or nerve. It may not be needed if an implant is placed at the same visit, if you do not plan to replace the tooth, or if the bone walls are thick and intact. Your surgeon decides based on examination, imaging and your long-term plan.

How the procedure is done

Under local anaesthesia, the tooth is removed as gently as possible to protect the surrounding bone, sometimes by sectioning it. The socket is cleaned of infected tissue, then filled with a bone graft material — commonly a processed bovine (xenograft) or donor-derived (allograft) material, or a synthetic substitute. A collagen membrane or dressing often covers the graft to keep it in place and guide gum healing, and stitches may be used. The procedure adds only a short time to the extraction. Afterwards you follow aftercare similar to a normal extraction: no smoking, gentle cleaning, soft food and avoiding pressure on the site.

Healing time and implant timing

Mild swelling and soreness for a few days are common, and some small graft granules may come out in the first week, which is usually not a concern. The graft gradually becomes part of new bone over the following months. Implant placement is commonly planned after around three to six months, depending on the site, the material used and how you heal; a CBCT 3D scan before implant surgery confirms bone volume and density. Contact the clinic if you have increasing pain after the third day, persistent bleeding, fever, pus, or if the membrane becomes exposed and painful. Smoking significantly reduces graft success.

Socket preservation at Manhal

At Manhal Medical Center, Office 101, SMJ1 Building, central Dubai, socket preservation is performed by Dr. Moataz Al-Khan, specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon and lecturer in oral surgery (DHA licence 00048618-005), whose work includes surgical extractions, bone grafting, sinus lift and implant surgery. Implant planning is led by Dr. Manhal Helfawee, consultant implantologist with more than 20 years in the UAE (DHA licence 00169366-001). Working together, they decide at the extraction stage whether preserving the socket, placing an immediate implant or waiting is best for you. You receive a written, itemised plan after examination. Call +971 4 328 4560 to book.

When a tooth has been missing for a long time, the jawbone shrinks. Bone grafting rebuilds width or height so an implant can be placed securely; a sinus lift adds bone beneath the sinus floor in the upper back jaw.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moataz Al-Khan, Dr. Manhal Helfawee

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.