Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 20, 2026
04:19
The Establishment of a Murine Mandibular Molar Extraction Socket Healing Model
Published on: January 13, 2023
5.8K
Timeframe of socket cortication after tooth extraction: A retrospective radiographic study
Kristina Bertl1,2, Edmund Benjamin Kukla3, Rajaa Albugami4
1Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Odontology, University of Malmö, Malmö, Sweden.
Clinical Oral Implants Research
|October 17, 2017
Summary
Complete bone healing of tooth extraction sockets takes longer than expected. Most sockets are not fully healed by 6 months, with significant cortication occurring around 9-12 months post-extraction.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Tooth extraction sockets undergo a natural healing process involving bone regeneration.
- Cortical bone formation (cortication) is a key indicator of socket healing.
- Understanding the timeline of socket healing is crucial for treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the time required for radiographic evidence of complete socket cortication after tooth extraction in humans.
Main Methods:
- CT scans of 250 patients up to 36 months post-extraction were analyzed.
- Extraction sockets were assessed for cortication status (non-healed, partially, or completely healed).
- Statistical analysis evaluated factors influencing cortication time.
Main Results:
- At 3-6 months, 27% of sockets were non-corticated and 53% partially corticated.
- By 9-12 months, over 80% of sockets showed cortication; some remained incomplete up to 15 months.
- Each month post-extraction increased cortication likelihood; significant bone loss (>75%) delayed healing.
Conclusions:
- Complete socket cortication requires a substantial healing period, often extending beyond 6 months.
- Approximately 80% of sockets achieve complete cortication between 9 and 12 months.
- Significant pre-existing bone loss is a key factor prolonging socket healing time.
