Implant Dentistry
Socket Preservation
in Tenleytown
Socket Preservation for Tenleytown residents at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
Implant Dentistry
Socket Preservation in Tenleytown
Tenleytown is a residential upper-northwest DC neighborhood near American University offering a quiet, suburban feel within the city, and when it comes to socket preservation, the community trusts the team of periodontists at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Washington DC. 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.
The short 15-minute drive from Tenleytown to our Washington DC office is well worth it for the level of specialized socket preservation care our periodontists deliver. 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 Tenleytown.
Our periodontists — Drs. Zalewsky, Alani, Artis, Daru, Lakkis, and Ganesh — combine advanced specialty training with a patient-centered approach. 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. Patients from Tenleytown consistently trust our expertise.
Ready to learn more about socket preservation? Tenleytown patients can reach our Washington DC practice by calling (202) 296-3360 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 Tenleytown 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 Tenleytown to Our Washington, DC Office
Our Washington, DC office is approximately 12 minutes from Tenleytown, near landmarks such as Fort Reno Park, Tenleytown-AU Metro station, and American University.
Driving Directions: Take Wisconsin Avenue NW south toward Georgetown. Continue past the National Cathedral and Georgetown University to M Street NW. Our office is at 2311 M Street NW, Suite 500.
Washington, DC: 2311 M Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 296-3360Request 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 Washington, DC office. We look forward to welcoming you.