Implant Dentistry
Socket Preservation
in Fairfax
Socket Preservation for Fairfax residents at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
Implant Dentistry
Socket Preservation in Fairfax
Residents of Fairfax, the county seat of Fairfax County and a thriving city home to George Mason University and historic Old Town Fairfax, now have convenient access to expert socket preservation care at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in nearby Alexandria. Socket preservation is a bone-grafting procedure performed immediately after a tooth extraction to prevent the natural collapse and resorption of the surrounding bone and soft tissue.
Located just 20 minutes from Fairfax, our Alexandria practice makes it convenient to access specialist-level socket preservation care close to home. Without socket preservation, the extraction site can lose up to 50% of its width within the first year, potentially making future implant placement more complex or even impossible without additional grafting.
Why Precision Periodontics
Board-certified periodontists serving Fairfax.
Our periodontists place bone graft material into the extraction socket and cover it with a protective membrane. This simple procedure at the time of extraction preserves bone volume and dramatically simplifies future implant treatment. Our team includes six board-certified periodontists — Drs. Zalewsky, Alani, Artis, Daru, Lakkis, and Ganesh — giving Fairfax patients access to a depth of expertise unmatched in the DC metro area.
Ready to learn more about socket preservation? Fairfax patients can reach our Alexandria practice by calling (703) 823-2422 or submitting an appointment request online. Our periodontists are committed to providing you with outstanding care from your very first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Socket Preservation FAQ for Fairfax Patients
Why is socket preservation important after tooth extraction?
Within weeks of tooth extraction, the surrounding bone begins to resorb — studies show 25 to 50 percent of ridge width is lost within the first year. Socket preservation places bone graft material into the extraction site immediately, significantly reducing this bone loss and maintaining the volume needed for future implant placement.
Can socket preservation be done at the same time as tooth extraction?
Yes — that is the standard protocol. The graft is placed immediately after the tooth is extracted, making the most of the naturally healing socket. Waiting to graft later allows significant bone loss that is more difficult and costly to regenerate.
How long does socket preservation take to heal?
The soft tissue over the graft site heals within two to three weeks. The bone graft matures over three to four months, at which point a dental implant can typically be placed. Your periodontist will take a CBCT scan or X-ray to confirm adequate bone volume and density before scheduling implant placement.
What happens if I don't get socket preservation after an extraction?
Without socket preservation, the extraction site collapses inward as bone resorbs. This may make future implant placement impossible without additional bone grafting procedures (ridge augmentation or sinus lift), which adds cost, time, and surgical complexity to your implant treatment.
Getting Here
Directions from Fairfax to Our Alexandria, VA Office
Our Alexandria, VA office is approximately 20 minutes from Fairfax, near landmarks such as City of Fairfax downtown, George Mason University, and Fairfax County Courthouse.
Driving Directions: Take Route 236 (Main Street/Little River Turnpike) east toward Alexandria. Continue to I-395 North, exit at Seminary Road, and continue to Kenmore Avenue. Our Alexandria office is at 4660 Kenmore Avenue, Suite 300.
Alexandria, VA: 4660 Kenmore Avenue, Suite 300 & 312, Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 823-2422Request An Appointment
Let us help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
Contact us with any questions or to schedule a socket preservation consultation at our Alexandria office. We look forward to welcoming you.