Socket Preservation (Ridge preservation)

After tooth extraction, labial or facial bone loss may be significant, resulting in less-thanideal
bone being available for implant placement.Horizontal or vertical deficiency with loss of interseptal, mesial or distal bone also may occur, depending on the etiology leading to tooth extraction, such as severe periodontal disease or chronic bone loss from tooth fracture. Even after a “clean” extraction, bone loss may be unpredictable, resulting in limitation of ideal implant placement.(Michael S. Block, 2002)

Major changes of an extraction site take place during the 12 months following tooth extraction.
The width of the alveolar ridge was reduced by 50% during the observation period (12 months). This loss, corresponding to 5 to 7 mm, is in agreement with earlier studies. The finding that approximately two thirds of this reduction occurred within the first 3 months after tooth extraction also corresponds to earlier findings.(Lars Schropp, 2003)

Some terms:
Socket preservation - procedure, when extraction socket is intact.
Ridge preservation - if a bone wall defect is present.

Some history:
First this technique was described by Greenstein (1985) and Ashman & Bruins (1985)
Term "socket preservation" was used by E.Cohen (1988)
"Socket seal surgery" - Lansberg, Bichacho(1994)