Extraction socket bone grafting involves growing bone at extraction site immediately following tooth removal. A three months of waiting period is usually recommended following socket bone grafting, before implant placement.

Many studies supported the findings that the jawbone will reshape, losing its height and width following tooth extraction. Some individuals may lose more bone than others, depending on the genetic make-up of the individual, and how tooth is removed. The main purpose of socket bone grafting is to preserve as much jaw bone as possible following extraction to maximize: 1) the amount of bone available for future implant placement, and 2) the esthetics of gums supported by the bone underneath. Socket bone grafting is also recommended even if dental implant therapy is not planned. By preserving adequate amount of jaw bone, the patient will have a stronger bony support for the denture or more esthetic-looking gums under a dental bridge work. Additionally, a socket bone grafting done at the upper back area of the mouth following extraction can slow down the process of “sinus pneumatization”, in which the sinus cavity enlarges following extraction, leaving individual with bone loss in the upper back area of the mouth.