Socket Preparation for Delayed Implant Placement Using a Mineralized Cancellous Allograft

Various materials have been used for extraction socket preservation in anticipation of implant placement or to limit resorption of socket walls. Materials have ranged from autogenous bone, allografts, and xenografts to synthetics. Ideally, the graft material being placed into the socket at the time of extraction should fully convert to host bone to yield vital bone that will permit implant osseointegration with as much contact between bone and the implant surface as possible. This article reviews different materials and presents two cases in which extraction of a molar was required and future implant placement planned.