Socket preservation as a precursor of future implant placement: review of the literature and case reports.

Dimensional changes after tooth extraction often result in bone resorption that complicates restorations with implant or traditional prostheses. Preservation of alveolar dimensions after tooth extraction is crucial to achieve optimal esthetic and functional prosthodontic results. In addition, with the increasingly frequent use of dental implants to replace nonrestorable teeth, preservation of the existing alveolus is essential to maintain adequate bone volume for placement and stabilization of the implants. Atraumatic extraction and socket preservation techniques have been introduced to minimize bone resorption after tooth extraction. This article reviews the literature, presents clinical cases on the healing of the alveolus and its dimensional changes after tooth extraction, and discusses socket preservation techniques that have been introduced to minimize these dimensional changes.