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 down-growth (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