Implant therapy has become a widely recognized treatment alternative for replacing missing teeth. While successful implant therapy requires sufficient alveolar bone volume and favorable ridge architecture. After tooth extraction, dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge often occur due to bone resorption. These changes are usually clinically significant and can complicate restorations with implant or conventional prostheses. Preservation of alveolar dimension can minimize residual ridge resorption and can be essential to maintain adequate bone volume, thus be crucial to achieve optimal esthetic and functional prosthodontic results. This article reviewed the literature, presents socket preservation techniques, atraumatic tooth extraction, healing pattern of socket after tooth extraction as well as the use of bone grafting materials and barrier membranes.
